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Boat Maintenance Tips

Dec. 1 2022 Maintenance By Spring Brook Marina & Yacht Sales

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No matter what you prefer to use your boat for, whether it's watersports, fishing, or just pleasure cruising, keeping up with maintenance should be your top priority. Regular inspections and repairs can extend your boat’s lifespan by years. On top of that, catching mechanical failures before they happen will substantially reduce your risk of getting into an accident. That is why Spring Brook Marine has put together this list of basic boat maintenance tips.

1. Keep It Clean

Cleaning your boat is a simple but effective way to extend its lifespan and keep it looking nice. Though this isn’t always feasible, if possible you should wash your boat after every use.  Also keep an eye out for salt buildup and algae growth. Remember that animals can be attracted to food crumbs or smells left on the boat, so sweep and scrub the deck as necessary.

2. Check for Damage

While some boat repairs are best left to the experts, a basic inspection is something anyone can perform. Any signs of wear and tear like cracks or scrapes may be future mechanical issues. Catching them early gives you a chance to repair them on dry land rather than have them fail on the water.

3. Change the Oil

A boat's engine needs an oil change every 50-100 hours of operation, depending upon how heavily you use the craft in question. The owner’s manual can be a valuable guide when it comes to oil changes, providing recommendations like the correct oil type.

4. Store It Properly

You might think that a boat is safe from wear and tear if it is not being used. The truth is that improper storage exposes a watercraft to sun and rain, causing damage over time. Luckily, there are a couple of options for keeping your boat properly stored.  Many boater owners have a designated covered storage area for the off-season. If not covered storage is available, consider shrink-wrapping your boat to shield it from the elements.

For more information or to view new and preowned boat models, visit Spring Brook Marina. With six dealerships scattered across 5 states including Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin, we are well equipped to serve the midwest. We are proud to serve the Great Lakes region.