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Take care of the boat, trailer, and engine and the chances of a problem occurring on the water or the road will be minimized. Here's what you need to know and when to do it.
So you're a new-boat owner. Your new center-console sits proudly in your driveway, the outboard shining brightly in the sun, and even the trailer is sleek and polished. How can you keep it at least close to looking and performing as it does now, fresh from the dealership? Maintenance is the key. A well-maintained and cared-for boat will always perform better than a neglected one.
But if you're not mechanically inclined, how can you properly care for your new rig? If you're all thumbs, budget in some bucks for dealer maintenance. In this case, it's probably best for both you and your boat if you leave the mechanical details to the pros. You can, however, perform all the tasks that don't require technical expertise. Such tasks as keeping fittings and moving parts lubricated, cleaning and waxing the finish, checking the drive lubricant and engine oil, making sure that fishing line isn't wrapped around the prop shaft — these are all examples of simple skills a responsible boater should learn, especially to protect his or her investment. While boats have never been cheap, they seem to be more expensive than ever when compared to the average paycheck, so it's smart ownership to make sure that all is up to snuff.
Always ensure trailer safety chains are properly connected to the tow vehicle every time you hit the road.
It's a great idea to remove the drain plug when laying up the boat. Just don't forget to replace it before launching.
To help you out, we've created a simple Timeline and Maintenance Chart, one that works for DIYers and tech-savvy boaters alike. Refer to the chart to check maintenance items before every outing and at every 20, 50, and 100 hours of use. Seasonal boaters should consult the chart before every layup. With our chart as your guide, your rig will stay like new for longer and command top price at resale or trade-in time.
Download a copy of this maintenance chart
| Every | 20 hrs. | 50 hrs. | 100 hrs. | Seasonal | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always follow recommendations in manual first | |||||
| Engine And Drive | |||||
| Check oil/fill | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check transom mounting bolts or jack plate bolts (if equipped) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check propeller and skeg for damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check drive/gearcase for water/burnt lubricant & refill | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Treat fuel with decarbonizer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Check engine operating temperature each outing if there is a gauge, otherwise: | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Check engine for proper operating RPM @ WOT | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Check fuel lines for alcohol and UV degradation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Lubricate all grease points | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Check power trim/tilt fluid, refill if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Coat electrical with silicone protectant spray | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Have linkage & synchronization checked | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Retorque all accessible bolts & fasteners | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Touch up paint | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Check engine mounts and swivel & steering bracket for excessive play | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Replace water pump impeller | ✔ | ||||
| Treat fuel with storage conditioner, fog engine, drain & refill oil, replace oil & fuel filters | ✔ | ||||
| Steering System | |||||
| Check for excessive play or movement | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check fluid level & check for leaks & bleed system (hydraulic) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check engine free-play and adjust (dual cable/NFB) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Lubricate all grease points | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check for kinks (hydraulic and mechanical) and/or binding (mechanical) | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Boat: Interior, Tops, Safety Gear, Hull, Hardware | |||||
| Check hull for damage; repair if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check transom for possible cracking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wash hull and deck | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check registration and inspection to ensure up-to-date | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check bilge pump and auto switch for proper operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check battery(s) for proper charge | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check all other electrical accessories and systems for proper operation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check safety gear to ensure up-to-date and in good condition | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check fire extinguishing systems | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Clean and protect interior | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Wax/polish hull and deck | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Clean bilge | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check top, cover, etc. for condition, proper storage and clean/protect | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check bow and stern eyes for tightness and secure mounting | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Check rub rail for damage and repair if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Check all cleats, rail fittings and deck fittings for tightness and secure mounting | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Trailer | |||||
| Check coupler mechanism for proper operation; lubricate w/silicone spray | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check safety chains for rust, damage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check winch and winch strap; check emergency retention chain/strap | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check tiedowns and tiedown eyes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check lights, connector and wiring harness for condition and repair if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check tires for proper inflation pressure (include spare) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Check wheel bearings for proper grease level, binding, excessive noise | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Check suspension for rust, damage, missing bolts; repair if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check tires for age, weather checking, low or uneven tread (check spare also) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check wheels for condition | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check boat support bunks or rollers for condition | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Check frame for rust; paint if necessary | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Repack wheel bearings | ✔ | ||||