Tips to Maintain your Boat

Tips to Maintain your Boat

Buying a boat is a huge investment and to make sure you secure this investment, routine maintenance is a must. Maintaining your boat will preserve its condition and make sure it always performs optimally. You’ll also avoid some common boat repairs which are quite costly.

First, you’ll need to look out for some signs that your boat could be experiencing some underlying issues. No one knows your boat better than you. If you notice rust stains, don’t just ignore it assuming that it’s normal. Rust stains can occur on areas such as the hull and may indicate a bigger problem with your boat.

Sometimes the components beneath the boat such as bolts could be exposed to water/leaking causing the area around it to form rust stains. This is an issue that can cause the boat to sink if ignored for an extended period. The bolts need to be caulked immediately in order to stop the leaking and rust from forming around that area.

Additionally, you need to inspect the boat trailer for any signs of wear and tear. If the worn-out parts are not replaced immediately, the boat can be very hard to retrieve. Sometimes the worn out areas may damage the hull so they need to be replaced immediately.

The boat’s propeller also needs to be in the right state. If dirt is left to accumulate on the propeller shaft, it could risk complete damage. This is an area that is often exposed to marine life which may cause a lot of damage and even hinder the performance of your boat. Have it cleaned immediately to make sure the propeller performs optimally always.

When the boat is not in use, like during the winter, it’s important to store it properly. Poor storage may cause mold formation and reduce the service life of your boat. Before storing the boat make sure you review its condition and ascertain that it is in the right state. Do not store the boat with things like exterior cushions and covers during off-season. Remove these items and make sure you don’t cover the boat in such a way that it can’t get proper ventilation.

Lack of proper maintenance often leads to a lot of disappointments. Sometimes the boat may fail at a time when you least expect it and you’ll have to spend a lot of money on the repairs. You can have an expert inspect your boat say four times in a year or so. If you notice a drop in performance, it would also be best to call in an expert to provide the right assessment. Doing this will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Also consider hiring a marine surveyor to come and inspect your boat and make sure it’s in the right state. Sometimes self-inspection may not allow you to see significant problems with your boat and seek the necessary help. Remember that your safety and enjoyment is at stake so you must take all these maintenance requirements seriously. 

Posted By: Stowaway Marine http://stowawaymarine.net

A Basic Guide To Buying Used Boats

We all have that fear of buying a used item. What if the owner wasn't transparent about its condition? Will it be a worthwhile investment? Many times we buy used items because we want to cut back on costs and still get a something reliable. The same applies to buying used boats. A used boat can still fulfill your needs. Once you made a decision to buy a boat that someone else has owned before, here are some important things to consider.

First, know where to find a variety of used boats for sale. Used boats are being advertised everywhere these days. From magazines to bulletin boards and popular websites, you'll come across many people offering boats for sale. Look for a reliable marketplace where you can easily find quality used boats for sale and compare their prices. You can also shop for used boats both online and offline and compare the prices offered.

Other than looking at the price of a used boat, knowing the materials it's made of together with its current performance is very important. Fiberglass is considered one of the best materials for making boats. The performance of the boat will depend on the state of the engine. Engines that have been used a little over a year can still perform optimally especially if the boat has been well taken care of.

Secondly, know the seller before making any commitments. You'd rather buy a used boat from a company than a stranger you just found online. The good thing about companies that specialize in selling used boats is that they normally perform background checks to ensure customers are getting value for their money.

Find a reputable dealer who will help you narrow down your list of options and select a used boat that suits your taste and budget. Instead of having to visit one buyer at a time, a dealer will present you with several options which you can check out and compare. It's easy to decide on what you like and avoid poor quality used boats by choosing the right options.

Decide on the length of the boat that's best for you. Look for a dealer who will be transparent with you and explain all the issues with the boat before you make a purchase. In most cases, used boats are not set at a fixed price so you can negotiate and get a better deal. Your boat dealer will help you in negotiations and make sure you find the perfect match.

You need to perform some visual inspections which can help you tell if the boat is in a good state. For instance, check the prop area for any signs of damage. If the boat has significant signs of wearing, cracks or even a leak, then you may want to reconsider. Check the interior of the boat for musty odors. Some boats may be made using a combination of wood and fiber glass. Wood is prone to rotting so check whether there are any signs of potential problems.

Stow Away Marine & More, Inc., is conveniently located in Wakulla County (approximately 20 miles from downtown Tallahassee) on Coastal Hwy 98 between Woodville and Crawfordville Hwy's.http://stowawaymarine.net