How To Prepare Your Boat For Spring After Storage
There is a lot that goes into preparing your boat for storage. However, after winter is over, your boat needs to be prepared for the springtime activities you will be taking it on. Preparing your boat for spring is commonly referred to as de-winterizing. It's a similar process to when you prepare your house for spring after it's been enclosed for the winter.
Sections Of a Boat
There are three major sections of the boat that need to be checked before you take it out on the water. The sections include the exterior, all the electrical components and parts, and the interior. The three sections require different preparation processes depending on what type of boat you have. It's best to make these preparations early in the springtime, since it reduces the amount of time your boat is at the dock. As soon as the snow melts, you should inspect your boat to make sure its in good working order because you dont want to be left stranded in the middle of the water if your engine quits on you. Also checking the parts earlier on, gives people enough time to order any new parts they may need, and reduce the possibility of having to go on a trip without the boat because it's not ready.
Parts Of A Boat You Need To Know
The first thing boat owners need to do is get their owners manual ready. If the boat does not have one, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer and get one. You will need the owners manual so you can learn about your watercraft and to use it as a guide for replacing fluid and parts correct way. The first thing you should check is the engine. The engine is the epicenter of the boat. This process will also be the messiest one, and it will take the longest of anything else you have to do on your boat. This means that this should be done first. Before you put your boat into storage, you also need to change the oil. Using a boat for an excessive amount of time during the summer can lead to byproducts, water and acid getting inside the boat. Changing the oil prevents corrosion and you will need to change the oil filter. Other fluids that need to be changed are the transmission fluid and anti-freeze. When changing anti-freeze, the owner should use a 50-50 ratio; 50 percent water and 50 percent coolant. The last thing that should be checked on the interior of the boat are the batteries, since they wear out quickly and will need to be replaced at the start of the new season.
Exterior Of The Boat
The owner should go over every inch of the hull of the boat and check for any damage on the paint, or any damage that has seeped through the paint. For example, if the boat has any type of chalky residue on the hull, this is an indication of oxidation. The first thing the owner should do is check the level of oxidation, and repair the boats gelcoat accordingly. For extreme levels of oxidation, it may be required to contact a professional. Throughout the summer, the owner should keep an eye on the gelcoat of the boat to make sure the damage is not recurring. To keep up maintenance, after restoring the boats gelcoat, purchase a marine cleaner at any supply store that specializes in marine vehicles, and clean the hull. Apply a fresh coat of glass every so often and seal it. Boats sometimes have windshield wipers, just like there are on a vehicle; it is important to check the windshield wipers to ensure that they are in perfect working condition
Interior Of The Boat
Some boats may need more work than others, especially if the boat is not enclosed like a speedboat is. This type of boat will require more work on the interior and the upholstery because it comes in contact with the elements. Start by cleaning the interior of the boat completely by removing any dust, sand or dirt that is on the floor, in between and on the seats, and near any type of components. Boat owners also need to inspect the vinyl and the upholstery. If there are any cuts, or damages to the upholstery it's a good idea to get this fixed before taking the boat out for the summer. Polish any metal on the boat as this will increase the visual value of the boat.
This information will help you to keep your watercraft maintained throughout the year so it will be ready once springtime comes. You should think about storing your boat during the winter months so the elements dont harm the exterior and interior of the boat and it will save you money in yearly repairs.
Sections Of a Boat
There are three major sections of the boat that need to be checked before you take it out on the water. The sections include the exterior, all the electrical components and parts, and the interior. The three sections require different preparation processes depending on what type of boat you have. It's best to make these preparations early in the springtime, since it reduces the amount of time your boat is at the dock. As soon as the snow melts, you should inspect your boat to make sure its in good working order because you dont want to be left stranded in the middle of the water if your engine quits on you. Also checking the parts earlier on, gives people enough time to order any new parts they may need, and reduce the possibility of having to go on a trip without the boat because it's not ready.
Parts Of A Boat You Need To Know
The first thing boat owners need to do is get their owners manual ready. If the boat does not have one, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer and get one. You will need the owners manual so you can learn about your watercraft and to use it as a guide for replacing fluid and parts correct way. The first thing you should check is the engine. The engine is the epicenter of the boat. This process will also be the messiest one, and it will take the longest of anything else you have to do on your boat. This means that this should be done first. Before you put your boat into storage, you also need to change the oil. Using a boat for an excessive amount of time during the summer can lead to byproducts, water and acid getting inside the boat. Changing the oil prevents corrosion and you will need to change the oil filter. Other fluids that need to be changed are the transmission fluid and anti-freeze. When changing anti-freeze, the owner should use a 50-50 ratio; 50 percent water and 50 percent coolant. The last thing that should be checked on the interior of the boat are the batteries, since they wear out quickly and will need to be replaced at the start of the new season.
Exterior Of The Boat
The owner should go over every inch of the hull of the boat and check for any damage on the paint, or any damage that has seeped through the paint. For example, if the boat has any type of chalky residue on the hull, this is an indication of oxidation. The first thing the owner should do is check the level of oxidation, and repair the boats gelcoat accordingly. For extreme levels of oxidation, it may be required to contact a professional. Throughout the summer, the owner should keep an eye on the gelcoat of the boat to make sure the damage is not recurring. To keep up maintenance, after restoring the boats gelcoat, purchase a marine cleaner at any supply store that specializes in marine vehicles, and clean the hull. Apply a fresh coat of glass every so often and seal it. Boats sometimes have windshield wipers, just like there are on a vehicle; it is important to check the windshield wipers to ensure that they are in perfect working condition
Interior Of The Boat
Some boats may need more work than others, especially if the boat is not enclosed like a speedboat is. This type of boat will require more work on the interior and the upholstery because it comes in contact with the elements. Start by cleaning the interior of the boat completely by removing any dust, sand or dirt that is on the floor, in between and on the seats, and near any type of components. Boat owners also need to inspect the vinyl and the upholstery. If there are any cuts, or damages to the upholstery it's a good idea to get this fixed before taking the boat out for the summer. Polish any metal on the boat as this will increase the visual value of the boat.
This information will help you to keep your watercraft maintained throughout the year so it will be ready once springtime comes. You should think about storing your boat during the winter months so the elements dont harm the exterior and interior of the boat and it will save you money in yearly repairs.
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