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A boat requires routine maintenance, just like any other type of vehicle. Taking care of your boat equipment will keep it running smoothly, extending its lifespan and preventing the need for repairs. Once you've bought your first boat, you can protect your investment by learning everything you need to know about maintaining it. 

A Brief Guide to Boat Maintenance

How do I maintain the engine and other systems?

Every boat is unique, but it will come with an owner's manual, just like a car. You'll need to take the vehicle in at least once a year to a mechanic for a tune-up and may need services such as oil changes more frequently, depending on how much you use the boat. Follow the manual's maintenance guide, leaving all work to the professionals. 

What should I do before taking it out?

Conducting a quick inspection before you take the boat out is best practice. You'll want to check the oil level and top it off if needed. Inspect the propeller, fuel lines, and hull for damage, and test the bilge pump by pouring water into it and turning it on. It's also best to check the steering movement and the battery's charge. Finally, testing safety equipment, including the lights, horn, flotation devices, and smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, ensures your safety on a voyage. 

What should I do after taking it out?

boat equipment

Your boat should be thoroughly cleaned after each excursion, as dirt sitting on fiberglass will turn its finish chalky, and salt can corrode it. Washing it with a soft microfiber cloth and a soap designed for its finish is safest. Apply a glass cleaner to the windshield and wipe down the vinyl upholstery with soapy water and a sponge. Wax the fiberglass exterior twice a year: once in the spring before you take it out and again in the fall before you store it.

How do I store it?

Proper storage during the off-season is important, as it prevents damage from occurring during the months your boat equipment sits unused. You can protect it from the elements while allowing for ample ventilation by storing it inside, if possible, such as in a storage unit or on a dry rack. If you're storing it outside, shrink-wrapping it with a fitted tarp will keep it dry and avoid direct sun exposure. 

 

Maintaining your boat equipment is easy with the help of Dewey's Cook Inlet in Anchorage, AK. Their parts department carries a wide selection of top-of-the-line boat accessories and parts, and they can order specialized parts to arrive within 24 hours. Their well-trained technicians can handle preventive maintenance and repairs. Learn more on their website, and call (907) 344-5092 to schedule an appointment.

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