Now that warm weather has returned, you’re probably looking forward to taking your boat out on the water. You might have needed a few repairs after a long winter of inactivity, but there are a few maintenance tasks that will help prevent the need for more trips to the shop in the future. Glen’s Precision Auto in St. Cloud, MN, specializes in boat repair to keep their customers’ vessels in good shape. They frequently inspect boats for signs of trouble and recommend following these tips to protect your investment.

1. Monitor Your Battery Life

No one wants to lose power while they’re out on the water, so it’s important to monitor your battery’s fluid levels. Battery gauges are available at most boat and marine stores, making this maintenance task easy and convenient.

2. Clean Your Propeller

Your boat’s propeller shaft and strut need to be cleaned periodically because algae and other marine growth can collect on the equipment. These organisms not only reduce your speed and increase fuel consumption, but they can also corrode the engine, leading to expensive boat repairs.

3. Look for Rust

Every so often, it’s a good idea to inspect your boat inside and out to check for rust stains on the hull. Stains near strut bolts indicate they are leaking and should be caulked to prevent the vessel from sinking. 

4. Inspect The Boat Trailer

Did you know the trailer you use to transport and launch your boat can wear out over time? Without proper trailer maintenance, parts can become loose, rusted, and corroded when they’re exposed to water. Not only does this make carrying and launching your watercraft difficult and unsafe, but it can also put you at risk for losing the boat while you’re on the road.

When summer rolls around, you want to spend more time on the lake and less time worrying about boat repairs. Have your vessel inspected by the team at Glen’s Precision Auto—whether you need engine work or a trailer repair, they get the job done for a fair price. Call (320) 251-4910 to schedule an appointment or visit their website for more information.