A Beginner’s Guide to Boat Maintenance

When you’re the proud owner of a boat, you’ll always have a way to explore the wonderful outdoors and have fun on the open water. If you want to enjoy what your vessel has to offer for as long as possible, it’s important to regularly maintain your boat. If you’re not quite sure how to get started, we have put together some useful tips to help you out.

Clean it Up

Proper cleaning is a crucial part of boat service and maintenance. A thick layer of dirt and grime could easily hide some major issues that need to be fixed. Remember to clean both the interior and exterior of the craft. While you’re at it, look closely to see if there are any cracks in the gel coat. If this is your first time cleaning your boat after a long time in storage, you may find some pests or critters that you’ll need to remove.

Engine and Battery Checks

While doing boat upkeep checks, make sure to inspect the engine and the battery. Confirm both are in proper working order and examine key parts. Start by lubricating the spark plug holes and fixing any cracked hoses. You’ll also need to replace the oil and add fresh fuel to the tank. A multimeter will be useful if you need to figure out whether your battery can still hold a good charge.

Propeller Inspection

Scrapes and dings can happen without you knowing, so you’ll want to frequently inspect the propeller. While some minor damage may not pose a problem, more serious damage can affect how your propeller functions in the water. Plus, check for any algae or oil buildup on the propeller.

When you’re performing routine boat maintenance and discover that you need some help, feel free to contact the service department here at Lacey's Narrows Marina. If you’re looking for boats for sale, visit our dealership in Greers Ferry, Arkansas, to see what we have in stock. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Memphis, TN, and Little Rock, AR.