In our previous post, we provided an in-season boat maintenance checklist of tasks you need to do on every boating trip. However, the season is long, and eventually, your boat will require more in-depth checks and maintenance. It’s possible to overlook these more period checks, yet they play an important role in ensuring the long-term well being of your boat.
To keep better track of these more periodic tasks, we’ve put together another in-season boat maintenance checklist. Tasks are grouped by the recommended number of hours between addressing them.
Every 20 Hours
- Clean the boat’s interior
- Check engine operating temperature or check the engine for proper operating WOT RPM
- Check drive and grease case for burnt lubricant and water
- Treat boat fuel with decarbonizer
- Clean water strainer
- Check trailer wheel bearings for binding conditions, proper greasing, and unusual noises
- Prevent cylinder wall corrosion by running the engine up to operating temperature
Every 50 Hours
- Wash boat hull and deck
- Inspect and clean boat cover
- Check engine fuel lines for UV-caused defects and alcohol
- Check fluid levels and check for leaks
- Re-lubricate steering system grease points
- Bleed hydraulic system
- Check engine backlash (a.k.a. “free play”)
- Wash out bilge
- Check boat trailer for damage or rust and repair if needed
- Check conditions of boat trailer wheels and tires (e.g. for tread or weathering)
- Inspect boat support bunks and rollers
Every 100 Hours
- Re-lubricate engine and drive grease points
- Replace boat engine oil
- Spray engine and drive electrics with silicone protectant
- Check tilt fluid and power trim
- Check engine mounts and swivel
- Check steering bracket
- Have the linkage and synchronization inspected
- Replace oil filters, fuel filters, and water pump impeller
- Touch up boat paint
- Use storage conditioner to treat fuel
- Check steering hydraulic system for kinks
- Check steering mechanical system for binding or kinks
- Ensure eyes (e.g. boat and stern), fittings (e.g. deck and rail), and cleats are tight and mounted properly
- Inspect rub rail for damages
- Repack boat trailer wheel bearings
Source:
Boat And Trailer Maintenance Checklist
https://www.boatus.com/magazine/trailering/2016/october/boat-and-trailer-maintenance-checklist.asp
Suggested Vessel Maintenance Schedule & Checklist
http://byc.org/2011/10/21/suggested-vessel-maintenance-schedule-checklist/
Image credit: https://pixabay.com