Purchasing a sailboat or powerboat is one of the most significant investments you’ll make in your life, and getting the vessel from a reputable sailboat or powerboat Philippines distributor is only the first step. A boat is a lifetime commitment, and properly taking care of it is of paramount importance. If you use your boat for business, you’ll need commercial marine insurance. Think of maintenance as a way to protect your investment: it keeps your boat shipshape and looking gorgeous so that you can enjoy it for years to come.
Below are a few helpful tips to keep in mind that will help you keep your sailboat or powerboat seductive and seaworthy:
Keep it clean
Cleaning your boat isn’t only done for cosmetic purposes. According to the experts, cleaning is essential in deterring the growth and proliferation of any invasive pests like fleas that could damage the vessel or negatively impact your enjoyment at sea. You can also avail termite treatment services if your boat has been infested by these pests. Or, you can find good polished pads here to maintain your boat in good shape.
Ideally, cleaning your boat should only be done on dry land. This is to prevent any dirt and debris from going into the ocean water and polluting it as a consequence. Should you decide to clean your boat in the water, make sure to use only biodegradable and environmentally safe products that have a minimal impact on marine life. Steer clear of any harsh chemicals as much as possible.
Compile a maintenance checklist
One of the easiest ways to stay thorough with your boat maintenance is by compiling a basic checklist. Sailboats and powerboats come in all shapes and sizes, but they all share common areas that will require checking up on regular. These include the engine (or engines), the boat’s hull and topsides, its electrical systems, the upholstery, as well as any moving parts such as door hinges, porthole or window covers, rigging components, and so on. In larger boats, you may also need to regularly check the plumbing, as well as the heating and cooling systems for which we recommend only trust in experts.
Keep the engine in tip-top shape
Proper maintenance of your boat’s engine is crucial to prolonging its service life and to keeping your vessel running at its best. Flushing the engine out after every trip, always using fresh fuel, and checking for any fuel or water leaks can go a long way towards protecting your boat from any major issues.
If you’re handy, you can clean the spark plugs and replace any defective or malfunctioning parts. Make sure that your engine’s oil level is satisfactory, and make note of when the oil was last changed. Ideally, your oil needs changing every 100 hours of use, and the oil filter should be replaced every three months. You should also check your boat’s battery and clean off any buildup that you find from the terminals. A good coating of all-purpose oil over the engine’s components including the marine engine mounts is a good rust prevention measure. The performance of your boat is in direct proportion to how well you take care of the boat. Putting the boat into a boat storage during months when it’s not being used is also a great way to do that.
Take the weather into account
In destinations that see four seasons, long periods of inactivity and improper winterizing during the cold months can have detrimental effects on a boat’s performance. In the Philippines, the main challenge faced by boat owners is heat and humidity, which can speed up corrosion and cause damage to the boat’s electrical components. Your vessel may require more frequent engine maintenance than the amount recommended by the manufacturer.
Know when to take it to a professional
If you aren’t too well-versed on the ins and outs of boat maintenance beyond keeping things clean and lubricated as necessary, there’s no shame in leaving the detail work to a trusted professional. Annual boat maintenance costs rarely go over 10% of your vessel’s total cost. Just make note of any major issues, always look into finding the best quality marine battery for your boat and report any odd sounds you hear while using the boat to your mechanic.
There’s nothing more satisfying than being out on the water with a boat that looks good and performs even better. Ensure smooth sailing by making sure that your sailboat or powerboat is properly maintained and cared for.
