You have invested a lot of money and love in your boat so you need to know how to maintain it to keep it on the water. Spend a little time and elbow grease and avoid yourself costly repairs in the future by following some simple procedures.

Basic cleaning of the interior including the upholstery and carpets will keep your boat looking and smelling clean. This will also preserve the value of your boat should you decide to sell it in the future. Clean the outside of your boat at least once a week using a specially designed boat cleaner to ensure the finish will last longer and keep a shiny appearance. Routinely check the bottom of your boat as it is in constant contact with the water and requires special attention. By keeping the boat bottom free of algae and scum the boat will use less fuel, therefore saving the environment as well.

If you have a four stroke engine you will need to change your oil regularly to keep the engine performing well. As a rule you should expect to need to change the oil around every 100 boating hours or at the end of your season.

Check that your propeller is in good working order and that no fishing line has become tangled around it. A bent propeller can cause vibration and long term can cause problems leading to major boat engine repairs.

Once the cold weather comes around it is very tempting to just pack away your boat and wait for next Spring, however you should follow a few procedures to keep your boat in good condition during the Winter. Clean the hull thoroughly and grease any parts that require it. Check and top up the antifreeze. Make sure you have adequate ventilation otherwise the interior will smell musty and you could also use a mildew inhibitor.

By following these simple steps your boat will stay looking and running well for many years, save you money and the environment.