While wintertime sadly means that boating season is done for the year, it can be an excellent opportunity to check in on your beloved vessel. Time spent out on the water can do unintended damage, so it’s worth taking a look at typical weak spots to make sure the following boat parts are good to go come spring.

External Components

The boat parts that come in contact with the water are subject to the most wear-and-tear. Check in on these specific spots during the off-season to keep your boat running correctly:

• A cutless bearing is a fluted rubber tube that holds your propeller shaft in place, allowing it to spin smoothly. While there’s no standard time frame to replace this boat part, specialists will recommend that you replace it when you see the propeller shaft wiggling while in motion. Failing to address it will result in inefficiency and even damage to the motor.
• Boats use zinc anodes as a “sacrificial anode” that take the brunt of the corrosion from water to spare other metal boat parts. You typically replace them when half the anode is lost to corrosion. If this process occurs within one year, you need a heavier zinc anode to assure it’s capable of doing its job.
• You should also address propeller damage during the off-season. While repairing the blade is an option, if you’ve noticed inefficiency with speed and movement while on the water, you might need to consider replacing it.
• If your anchor chain is rusty, either replace the links that are rusted or replace the whole chain. If you choose the former, make sure to take it to a galvanizer to have it sandblasted, etched, and re-galvanized to protect against rust and wear.

Internal Components

Most maintenance on deck and in the cabin is to keep water out. These are the main spots to keep tabs on when doing seasonal maintenance:

• Your bilge pump should work even if the battery switch is off. Manually turn it on to confirm that the pump comes on. Always check on this boat part in regular maintenance; if it malfunctions, you are at risk of taking on water.
• Check on the battery charger for any corrosion on the battery terminals. Clean if needed, and add battery electrolyte if it has evaporated; otherwise, the battery will be dead come spring without it. Also, take a look at the shore power cord to spot any fraying or damage.
• Leaks–specifically fuel, oil, and coolant—are not only bad news for your boat, but they can also damage the water you’re floating in next season. Avoid pollution by checking in on possible leak areas.
• Ventilation assures that mold and mildew don't form in a humid, enclosed space, such as the cabin. If you find any, treat it, and find a way to let the cabin breathe better before heading back on the water.
• Remove all electronics—like thermal cameras, fishfinders, and chartplotters—and valuables from the boat to avoid theft while sitting in the yard all winter.

If your watercraft needs a lot of love this winter, you want to find a shop with replacement boat parts at competitive prices. In Northside, OH, boat owners trust George J. Hust Co. to provide a massive selection of replacement parts and the industry knowledge to help you pick the right pieces for your needs. With nearly 90 years of experience to handle commercial, residential, or industrial clients across the boating, agricultural, and landscaping industries, their team brings skill and unmatched customer service to the table for their customers. For more information about their selection, visit their website or call (513) 898-1675.