How to keep your boat in good shape

However, a well-maintained boat is key to ensure both yourself and everyone else on board remains safe whilst out on the water.

Safety is always a priority in the boating world, and by following a few steps and correctly taking care of your boat, as well as organising it properly, you will ensure its longevity and reliability, as well as experience an overall safer time on the water.

Here are our key tips for maintaining your boat year-round.

We’ve all been there after a big day out on the water, you arrive home and simply can’t be bothered to wash the boat.

However, by taking a few short minutes out of your day to wash it down, it is well worth your time, to prolong the life of your boat.

Hose down your boat after each use with fresh water, this is especially important if you have been using the vessel in saltwater.

Start by cleaning the hull and then hose down the insides of the boat. There are a few cleaning products on the market, to help make this process much quicker.

I used to have to get the old bucket out, fill it up with detergent and manually scrub.

Now, I simply pour a salt-removing solution into a cylinder with a nozzle attached and hose it directly onto the boat.

Start up the top and work your way down, including doing the rollers and hubs on the trailer.

Wait a couple of minutes for the solution to bring the salt off before simply washing it off.

This has been a game changer for many anglers and boat owners.

Once you have finished washing down the boat, leave it sit in the sun until completely dry. Most boats these days have marine carpet fitted, and this will easily go mouldy or smell musky if you store the boat away whilst still wet.

Cleaning the hull regularly helps prevent salt build-up, which can damage the hull over time.

After the hull, your outboard engine is arguably the most important part of your vessel. By keeping it in good condition by following a preventative maintenance program, you will experience less trouble on the water and keep your outboard running for many years.

Ensure you always flush your engine upon returning home. Similar to the salt shift for washing boats, there is marine specific outboard flush kits available to purchase, for both boat and PWC engines.

They are very simple to use, each brand will vary in how much solution is required so be sure to check the label. As an approximate guide though, add 50ml of solution into the canister and attach it to your earmuffs or flush point on your engine.

Turn your engine on to water only, allowing the motor time to get up to temperature, then turn on the soap option.

You should still flush your engine even if you have only been in a freshwater catchment.

Whilst flushing, check the telltale to ensure the engine is pumping plenty of water.

If able, carefully place your hand in the water that the engine is pushing out, to check the temperature. It should be warm water, but not hot.

If you are struggling to see much water, it may be that something is stuck. If this happens, turn off the engine immediately to prevent overheating.

I have often had this happen, where it has been something as simple as a wasp’s mud nest in the flow tube.

If this happens, I will usually just grab a piece of wire or something similar, and poke around to see if I can dislodge what is blocking the tube.

After doing this, start the motor again, if you are still seeing minimal water, you may need a new water impeller.

I will always disconnect the fuel line if I know that I won’t be using my boat anytime soon, as stale fuel can impact the motor.

It’s a good idea to give the motor a wipe down and a generous spray with a lanolin spray or similar, to lubricate the components of the engine and help stop corrosion.

Give the can a shake and hold approx. 10-20cm away from all parts, and give it all a good spray.

Do a walk around the hull to look for any damage, in particular, to see if any cracks are present. If you happen to find one, repair this as soon as you can to prevent any water from getting in and to stop further damage from occurring.

It’s a good idea at the start of the season to wax your boat. It protects it from the UV rays as well as maintains your hull’s shine. 

If you are using your boat quite regularly, you will generally do this more than once a season.

Make sure that you use a marine-specific wax as automotive wax is not suitable for boats.

Thoroughly wash and dry your vessel before applying wax as you don’t want any dirt to affect the final results.

Use a soft rag to rub the wax on and apply it in a circular motion, ensuring you cover all the area before moving on to the next section.

After you have applied the wax, you will need to buff it. This is where you will see your final results.

Check that your battery is charged, and inspect any wiring and electrical parts to ensure they are functioning correctly before you head out on the water.

Check for exposed wires, or if any are frayed. If you spot any melted wires, these should be a priority as they’re a serious fire risk.

Check all navigation lights are in good working order and replace any bulbs that need attention. It is also a good idea to check your bilge pump is operating as it should.

Plenty of us have had a boat stored in the shed for years and rarely check that all the safety equipment is up to date.

It is very important to regularly check onboard safety gear to ensure you are meeting the required standards.

Keep lifejackets, flares, and fire extinguishers in good working order and in date. If you need to have an EPIRB, these also have an expiry date so be sure to look at it before heading out, as this could one day need to save your life.

It is common for new boaters to just buy everything on the list that is required and throw it all in the boat just to avoid a fine.

Ensure your safety gear is easily accessible as you never know when you may need to reach for it.

Checking your boat trailer before you head out each time will ensure the safety of yourself and other road users while towing.

Measure the tyre pressures and get someone to help you ensure that the trailer's lights are all in working order – there is nothing worse than being behind a trailer on the road, and having no indicator or brake lights in front of you.

Pull the caps off the hubs, look at the bearings and add marine-rated grease if needed.

It is a good idea to take the bearings apart at least once a year and service them. Simply pop the caps off and have a look at their condition.

If they are rusted, the grease is discoloured, or even if you are on the fence about their age or condition, replace them.

Store your boat properly when not in use. If you don’t have a shed to store your boat in, it is a good idea to use a boat cover as well as an outboard cover to protect it from the sun as well as help stop rain from getting in.

If you are planning to store your boat for an extended period of time, consider using jack stands to relieve pressure from the tyres and stop them developing flat spots.

Following these maintenance tips can ensure that your boat remains in good condition, performs well on the water, and lasts for many years to come.

Just remember though, regular use can help maintain your boat's condition by running it often and keeping it lubricated.

Let that be the excuse you need to get out on the water more often and have some fun.