The Importance of Regular Boat Maintenance

As a proud boat owner, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure your vessel remains in pristine condition. The best way to do this is routine maintenance of your boat. If you’re a beginner or you need a refresher, you’ve come to the right place. The experts at Cope Marine have created this guide to provide you with some helpful information about regular boat maintenance. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us at our dealerships in O'Fallon, Illinois, and Branson West, Missouri, to get your vessel serviced by our well-trained technicians.

Benefits

Regular maintenance helps you keep your boat performing with maximum speed, power, and consistency. Regardless of the type of boat you own, a poorly maintained vessel won’t look good or last for as long as you think it will. Also, a well-maintained boat is safer, more reliable, and will offer you better fuel economy.

Engine Care

Whether your vessel is equipped with a sterndrive, an outboard, or an inboard motor, you’ll want to ensure that you perform regular maintenance tasks, which is key to maintaining a well-performing engine.

Confirm that the internal combustion is functioning efficiently and there is sufficient oil of appropriate consistency in your boat. Make sure that the oil is clear and free of debris, such as metal shavings. If you notice debris floating around in the oil, it could indicate a bigger problem. In that case, you’ll want to get the problem addressed by a professional technician. However, if it appears sludgy, replace it immediately. Generally speaking, you must change the oil after every 100 hours of operation.

Check your oil before every boating trip and top it off as needed. Make sure you maintain the recommended levels, as mentioned in your vessel’s owner’s manual.

Propeller Inspection

If your vessel is powered by an outboard or a sterndrive motor, you must regularly maintain its propeller. A propeller affects a boat's fuel economy, engine life, speed, and acceleration. It can also make a lot of difference to your safety and comfort while operating your boat.

To address the maintenance routine of your propeller, check to see if any loose fishing lines have become tangled around the shaft. You'll want to use a deep well socket to remove the propeller and take a closer look at it. Look for dents in the blades and replace them if you notice any chunks. We highly recommend that you address any issues on your vessel’s propeller as soon as you discover them. If you go boating with a damaged propeller, you’ll end up causing even more damage to your boat.

We hope these tips help you maintain your boat like a pro. However, if you encounter an issue that’s too complex for you to handle, connect with our experts at Cope Marine. We can help you fix any problems and service your vessel before your next outing. Give us a call or stop by our dealerships in O’Fallon, IL, and Branson West, MO, where we happily welcome our friends from St. Charles, MO.