3 Vital Tips to Properly Maintain Your Boat

Although it might not seem like it, spring is right around the corner, and boat owners will be ready to hit the water once again. Whether you enjoy taking a joy ride on the waves or you prefer to go fishing at sunrise, it’s important to take proper care of your watercraft. Just like you make sure that your car is always running in peak condition, your boat is another motorized vehicle that requires regular maintenance. And just like you have auto insurance for your car, you should protect your boat with boat insurance in PA. Here are some tips to help keep your boat in top form.

• After taking your boat out on the water, be sure to wash it. When you bring your boat back home, the first thing you should do is rinse it with fresh water. This step is especially important if you have been out in the ocean; however, even if you have just been cruising in rivers and lakes, you should still wash your boat frequently. Some rivers that flow into the ocean may actually have “brackish” water — water that is a mix of saltwater and freshwater. As anyone who lives near the shore will tell you, salt can cause a lot of damage to outdoor equipment, which is why it is essential to clean your boat as soon as you return home.

• Change your boat’s oil on a regular basis. As we mentioned earlier, caring for a boat is very similar to caring for other motorized vehicles. That means you’ll need to change your engine’s oil to keep it running properly. This applies to four-stroke outboard motors, inboard motors, and sterndrive motors.

• Always check your propeller before launch. Make sure that it is securely attached to your outboard or sterndrive motor and use a deep socket to secure the propeller nut if need be. If you’re a fisherman, you also want to occasionally remove the propeller and make sure that no fishing line is wrapped around the propeller shaft. This can be dangerous, and it is best to have a professional examine it before trying to remove it yourself. Lastly, make sure that your propeller doesn’t have any damage, such as nicks and dents, as these can reduce your engine’s performance.

 
Owning a boat is a rewarding experience for those who love the sea. That’s why it is so important to take care of your watercraft regularly and to protect it with a reliable insurance policy. Whether you need boat insurance, car insurance, or even Philadelphia business insurance, the helpful staff at the Bachmann-Zeitlin Agency will help you find the policy that’s right for you. Call today for more information.