The Importance Of Regular Boat Service And Maintenance
The best way to get your boating trip off to the right start is by making sure your boat is safe, clean, and properly serviced. It’s important for your boat to perform flawlessly because even the simplest problem can lead to a lot of inconveniences and wasted time.
Here’s a quick checklist you should follow to help you get the most out of each trip. For more information on boat maintenance, visit us at Tracy Motorsports in Tracy, CA. We also proudly serve Stockton and Modesto.
The Motor
Be sure to follow all of your manufacturer’s service recommendations, and to take your boat to an authorized service location for any repairs if necessary. Unauthorized repairs can void your boat’s warranty. Changing your oil every three months is always a good idea, and you should keep an eye on any fluids that need to be topped off or any wires that need to be replaced.
Most people don’t use their boats as often as they use their cars. This means less wear and tear on the motor, but it also means that you might not discover service issues with important internal parts ahead of time.
The Fuel
You should never go out with fuel that’s over six months old, even if you use ethanol or a fuel stabilizer additive. Be sure that you have enough fuel in your tank for the whole trip, and have plenty in reserve if you decide to stay out longer. You should clean your fuel tanks at least once a year with a solvent that’s safe for your tank and fuel lines, and change your fuel filters as often as the manufacturer recommends. Be sure to properly dispose of old fuel safely.
The Batteries
Test your battery cells before each trip, and top them off with distilled water to meet the appropriate level. The battery should be charged as much as needed, but not overcharged. Be sure that your batteries are secured into their brackets, and that all of the cables and terminals are clean and free from corrosion.
The Hull And Hardware
One of the final details is to make sure that your hull and exterior are sound and seaworthy. You should clean and paint your boat regularly, and routinely inspect it for cracks and corrosion. You should confirm that there are no leaks and that your bilges are clean and dry. Be sure to also carry a full tool kit with replacement parts and extra oil and fuel on every trip.
Boat maintenance is essential for great times on the water and easy enough if you take a proactive approach. If you need help from the professionals, make your way to Tracy Motorsports to have a chat with our service department team. We’ll have your boat running smoothly in no time. Our dealership is based in Tracy, CA, and we also proudly serve those from Stockton and Modesto. We can’t wait to serve you!