TAKE THE TIME AND SAVE

It was once said that a boat "is a hole in the water, surrounded by fiberglass into which you pour money". Or "you too get get the feeling of boating by burning $100.00 bills in a very cold shower". Although there might be a germ of truth in both of these statements, the cost of boating can be reduced if you follow some simple rules and practice regular maintenance on and around your boat. Now that we are at about the mid-season point, this is an excellent time to do some fairly simple things that may save you dollars now and make you dollars further down the road.... or should that be waterway???

Boats need regular maintenance. Most have at least one engine and like your car requires regular service.  So does your boat's mechanical pieces and parts. It is not quite as easy to pull over to the side of the road and walk for help when your boat breaks down, therefore regular and or mid-season, items should be looked after at the dock.

First and foremost, check the oil level(s) in engines, generators and transmissions and check the coolant levels for those motors with closed system cooling. Marine engines never get the opportunity to coast and since they are a under constant load in a confined very hot area they do use some oil. Regular checks are vital so that you can rectify this and keep track of oil use to detect any sudden changes if things are going badly..

Next make certain that the battery cells are full. Use distilled water so the chance of electrolyte build up on the lead plates is minimized. Many boats with a charger tend to keep the batteries warm if not hot and water levels can drop. This will reduce the efficiency of the battery and shorten the life expectancy.

There are automatic water level systems that can be added to your boat and the inexpensive cost of these systems, will pay you back in the long run with longer battery life and more efficient better working battery operation. Check with Larry Parkinson at PCS Marine to learn more.

While around the batteries, clean all of the terminals and connections to make certain you are getting all the power possible for starting and running accessories. Dead batteries while at sea is very serious and can cause real problems.

While below decks in the engine room check the clamps on the cooling hoses and fuel lines. Boats are constantly vibrating and bouncing on the waves thus, clamps can loosen. A little time taken to tighten loose clamps can save an engine from over heating or worse an explosion from a leaking gas line if it is not found in time. It is only time now but can save you big later.

Check the bilge pumps. Turn on the switch for manual and lift the float on automatic pumps. These are only small and can fail. They might even get a foreign item from the bilge caught, clogging the water flow and rendering them useless. Again it is only time but keeping excess water out of the bilge saves the boat and other below deck equipment. While here as well clean the bilge with a biodegradable bilge cleaner or add ECO friendly microbes that will eat all of the contaminants in the bilge and render them harmless to the environment and safe for discharge overboard. Check for fluids under engines and near holding tanks that might be visible and should not be there. Early detection could reduce problems later on. Many of the specialized ECO friendly cleaners and enzyme microbes are available in the Boatcan Product and Services Section.

At the same time you are in the bilge and doing simple maintenance chores, drain the fresh water tank, open all of the cupboards, closets, drawers and take off the seat cushions where there is underseat storage. A good airing and drying out is a good idea. Water from rain, splashing waves, swimming or washing can accumulate and cause mold and / or mildew. A good airing on a hot sunny day can help to reduce this possibility. It will smell better and be more healthy for you. Refill the water tank so the water is fresh and safe for another period of use.

Give your boat a thorough cleaning now too... Inside, outside and the seating areas. Use biodegradable boat cleaning products which are easily found on the www.boatcan.com website, or at your Marine Supply Store and remove dirt and grime. Vinyl seats are best if they are then protected with a good vinyl protective coating to keep the sun's rays from doing extra damage. Cleaning and polishing is recommended mid-season too since the sun, rain, walking on the decks and just the general wear caused by the environment can reduce the protection that spring polishes and cleaners once provided.

Teak is ready for a touch up now too. If your are an oil the teak type, re-oil or clean and re-oil now. Varnish or other teak coats are advised to protect and keep the teak looking good. The sun and the environment play havoc with teak and if you don't stay on top of things with a little time and work every now and then, the job is very large later.

Convertible tops and boat covers should be checked now too. By taking time to see that the zippers, the stitching, and plastic windows are cared for, you could save yourself big dollars later. Most zippers are plastics and can break. The stitching often lets go before the material of the top. And the plastic windows take particular extra care to keep them from clouding and getting badly scratched. It will pay you later on to do this task regularly. This is also a good time to re-coat tops that are leaking.... but be sure you use products made for marine tops and the material in your top. It is important to use good quality waterproofing products and be sure that you do not get any on the plastic windows. Waterproof products and clear plastic windows do not go well together.

Now if you have any energy and / or time left you might wash the dinghy, the outdrives, trim tabs, fenders and around the water line if your boat is left in the water all summer. Growth in these areas can rob you of efficiency and use more fuel than you really need too. Check dock lines for integrity and get a mid-season holding tank pump out to begin the second half of the season with everything ready and able to go. Use a proper Holding Tank product to make sure all is good and clean. Nearby boats will be pleased that you did.

Yes, there is a lot of work in having a boat. But for the most part and to most people it is a labour they enjoy because of the enjoyment the boat provides to them on the water, and the satisfaction derived from doing the many things necessary themselves. Your boat is an investment of both time and dollars, however, careful maintenance and planning can keep the investment at a higher level, for a longer period of time.

When you go boating next time, BE A RESPONSIBLE BOATER....

THINK ABOUT THIS... Without a BOAT, 75% of the Earth’s Surface is Wasted!!!!

Author Dave McPhail, President of Boatcan