Written By Susan Love

Just about everything we own these days requires some form of maintenance to keep in top-notch shape. Houses need general repairs and once those are done, there are always leaves to rake or lawns to mow. Cars need regular trips to the garage to correct wear and tear problems or to have routine oil changes and tune ups. Boats are no different, and anyone who owns one knows that water and weather are unforgiving, and your water vehicle will need its own fair share of TLC. Regular boat maintenance goes a long way to maintaining smooth-running engines and keeping your boat looking its best.

What Kind of Tasks To Expect

There is other boat maintenance that should be done daily, for those who cruise the water often, or at least once a week if you tend to keep your boat moored at dock more than you are out on the water. Some regular boat maintenance tasks include looking over dock lines and fenders for signs of wear and chafing. Try not to depend on the hired help at the marinas and docks to look out for these things, as they are not always well trained. Washing is also a regular part of boat maintenance and should be done once a week to remove dirt and grime. Feet on decks bring on a fair share of dirt that runs down the sides of the boat when it rains, leaving streaks on the hull. Some locations require you to wash the hulls of your boats before putting them in the water to prevent invasive species.

Boat maintenance includes making sure everything mechanical runs well. Check the oil level of your engine first, and then start the motor to let it run until warm and at operating temperature. Do the same with your A.C. power generator, but do let it run for at least an hour and turn on everything to give it a heavy load. Go the distance with your boat maintenance and check all your batteries to make sure they are not anywhere in the lower operating levels. Safety is a big part of boat maintenance. Make sure all your navigation lights are working, by turning them on and walking around your boat to make sure each light functions properly, and check your horn. You will also want to make sure all your electronics are working, especially anything related to navigation and safety. They may have been working fine last time you were out, but that does not guarantee they are working this time.

Inform yourself on a complete, recommended list of boat maintenance and get in the habit of going down the checklist as often as you can. While having a boat and getting out on the water is fun, taking care of your vehicle with a good boat maintenance routine keeps your boat running well and keeps you and your passengers safe.

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Susan Love enjoys boat recreation and is a regular contributor to BoatCoverGuide.com - A comprehensive information guide on the types and how and where to purchase boat covers such as Skeeter Boat Covers (http://boatcoverguide.com/boat-covers-by-boat-brand/skeeter-boat-cover).