You count on your boat to see you through afternoons of endless fun with family and friends. If you’re frequently at the helm, regular use and general wear and tear can cause occasional problems with various boat parts. While scheduling boat service and maintenance is key to protecting your investment, it’s also helpful to be aware of issues that can arise. Here are three of the most common.

Common Boat Problems You May Experience

1. Failure to Start

Used and new boats that fail to start could be suffering from ignition problems. First, make sure that the breaker isn’t tripped. Then shift the boat into neutral and check the starter switch. Is it loose? Screw it back on tightly and try again. If it still doesn’t work, it could be due to corrosion on or around the battery. A technician will need to replace any rusted boat parts.

2. Transmission Issues

When the shifter fails to engage the transmission, the problem could be due to a faulty fuse or a loose cable. Corrosion can also cause the cable to stick, in which case you may need to manually move it. Since transmission failure typically occurs when there’s not sufficient gear oil, make sure to top off your fluids and follow your manufacturer’s guidelines regarding how often to change them. Check the cable frequently, too, for signs of damage.

3. Steering Stoppage

The steering wheel is among the most critical of boat parts—you can’t operate the vessel without it! If you turn the wheel and the engine simply doesn’t cooperate, or the wheel does not move at all, then it’s likely that hydraulic fluid levels are low. If you topped it off recently, the issue could be a leak. Sometimes a “frozen” wheel develops when the steering tube lubricant hardens. You can usually repair this by removing the nut at the base of the cable, detaching the cable, and cleaning the grease. Never attempt to force the wheel into position; a repair technician can determine if the problem is due to a crack on the casing or another broken part.

Boating enthusiasts throughout Pickens County, AL, trust in the staff at Pickensville Marine & Sports Shop to assist with their marine needs. Whether you’re seeking a used or new boat, want to schedule boat service and maintenance, or require a replacement boat part, you can count on them to provide just what you need. Visit them online for details, or call (205) 373-6372.