Boats require their share of maintenance and care. Even newer models break down from time to time. Luckily, most breakdowns are easy to fix with a few new boat parts. If you’ve recently purchased a boat, here are three of the most common repair issues you’ll face.

Why Do Boats Break Down?

1. Dead Battery

Since many boats are used seasonally, they spend a lot of time in storage. Cold-weather storage can result in a boat battery losing its ability to hold a charge.

Each boating season, before you head out onto the water, inspect the battery. If it’s dead, try to recharge it. If it won’t stay charged, you’ll need to visit a parts supplier to have it replaced.

2. Overheating

If the temperature gauge is on red, the engine is overheating. A common cause of overheating is a blocked water intake. Lay off the throttle, and let the engine cool down. Check for blockages in the water intake pipe. If it’s clear, check if any hoses are split or loose. Address overheating issues promptly to limit the damage to your engine.

3. Sputtering

A sputtering boat may have a worn-out filter or plugs. Sputtering can also be caused by low fuel. If your fuel levels are fine, clean or replace the filter, and visit a boat parts purveyor for spark plugs. If sputtering issues are a common occurrence, keep an extra fuel filter—which you can find at any boat parts store—onboard.

If you need boat parts to repair a pontoon boat or skiff, contact George J. Hust Co. in Cincinnati, OH. This family-owned and -operated company has been serving the region for 80 years. They stock a large inventory of parts at affordable prices. Visit their website for more information about brands, or call them at (513) 681-3120 to inquire about a part for your boat.