Owning a boat comes with a handful of responsibilities. If you want to take advantage of your beautiful vessel to the fullest extent, it’s important to maintain it properly. That will help extend its life, protect its parts, and provide you with years of enjoyment on the water. As a part of basic boater education, here are a few essential steps that all boat owners should take.

How to Maintain Your Boat

1. Clean It Thoroughly

A clean boat is important for more than just its fresh look, as you’ll learn in any boater education class. It’s easy for contaminants like dirt, mildew, mold, and grime to build up on the boat and its vital components. Vacuum the interior and wipe down all surfaces inside and out to maintain a clean finish.

2. Flush the Engine

The vessel’s engine is prone to accumulating deposits, salt, sand, and other small elements while it’s in the water. You can prevent buildup and potential damage, including corrosion and premature failure, by flushing the engine after every use. Many contemporary systems have on-board flushing mechanisms, but separate flushing products are also available.

3. Change the Oil

Just as you do with your automobile, it’s crucial to change the oil to prevent damage to the engine. Over time, particles, salt, and little bits of grit and debris can contaminate the material. And during the off-season, contaminated oil acids can cause significant damage to the engine. Most boat manufacturers recommend adding fresh oil every 50 to 100 hours.

For a fun and safe boating experience, you need to understand how the vessel works inside and out. Boaters throughout San Diego, CA, trust the team at Training Resources Maritime Institute to provide expert boater education through comprehensive mariner classes. They also offer private vessel training, along with marine electrician courses. Visit them online to find out how they can help you learn more, or call (619) 263-1638 to speak with a representative.