Service Department
Regular Boat Maintenance
You already know the delights of boating. From peacefully gliding across a glassy lake in the hush of dawn, to ripping some big curves with a water skier in tow, to enjoying a beverage with friends and family at anchor, or relaxing with the engine shut off so you can hear the call of birds and the hum of insects. Of course, you always want to know the engine will start right up again for you, and take you where you need to go. Like with any machine, a little maintenance will go a long way to ensure that your craft is reliable and won’t leave you in the embarrassing position of begging a tow. Here’s a refresher on two must-do aspects of boat maintenance. Keep your engine and your propeller in order, and you’re off to a great start. Baywood Marina has prepared this brief guide to help you keep your boat happy. Please contact us if you have questions or if you’d like to schedule an appointment for boat service at our dealership, conveniently located in Brick, New Jersey, near Trenton. Our friendly team looks forward to serving you.
Why Maintain Your Boat
We’ll say it again. Reliability is something everyone values in a boat, and regular maintenance, service, and repair are critical to reliability. You want your boat to perform with maximum power and speed, so give it some attention to keep it running smoothly. Regular maintenance makes a big difference with fuel economy as well as performance. A properly maintained boat is also safer for you and your passengers. The following suggestions are easily performed by any boat owner. If you confront bigger issues, you may need to schedule a professional for boat engine repair. In fact, it’s always a good idea to consider maintenance and repair-related expenses in your boating budget.
Engine Care
Your engine is the heart and soul of your craft, so give it some love. Whether you’re running an outboard, inboard, or sterndrive motor, treat it nicely so it treats you nicely! Make it a habit to check your oil before every trip. Note the fill level, and top it off as needed. Notice any trends. For example, if you are suddenly adding oil each time you check, there’s probably something that needs attention. Also, if it’s cloudy, sludgy, or harboring debris such as -- yikes! -- metal shavings, bring it in for service. Consult your owner’s manual to make sure you’re adding the right type of oil. An oil change is generally suggested every 100 hours of operation. Keeping a regular eye on your oil doesn’t take much time or effort, and it’s the best way to stay in touch with your engine and how well it’s running.
Propeller Inspection
You should also add propeller inspection to your regular maintenance routine, assuming you’ve got an outboard or sterndrive boat. Remove the propeller with a socket wrench and a deep well socket. Take the time to check for any loose fishing line or other debris that may have become tangled around the shaft. Inspect the blades for any dents, gouges, or missing chunks. Talk to a pro to determine whether the damage is severe enough to demand a replacement or other professional attention. Always address propeller issues as soon as you notice them. It’s possible to cause even more damage if you keep riding with a damaged propeller.
That’s a quick start to your boat maintenance to-do list. If you have any questions or want to set up professional boat repair, we're here for you. Hit us up at Baywood Marina, where we offer a wide range of services to the boating community in Brick and Trenton, New Jersey.
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