Boat Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your boat in good shape is important. It will help ensure that it runs well and stays safe, plus you’ll be able to sell it for more money if it looks like new. Having a basic knowledge of how boats work is helpful when performing maintenance on one, but even if you don’t know much about how they operate, with this checklist of routine tasks you can be sure your boat will stay in top condition.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

Outboard motor

• Check the oil level, and possibly add some if it’s low.
• Check for water in the oil. If you see any water, stop using your motor until you can get to a harbor or repair shop, as this could be a sign of a hole in the crankcase (the engine compartment) or head gasket (the part where gas enters).
• Check for fuel in the oil—it may be an indication of something similar to what we just discussed above: bad seals on either side of these areas that allow fluids to mix together without being detected until they start leaking out of places where they shouldn’t be leaking out of!
• Look around at all angles for rust or corrosion on your motor—if you find any spots like this, remove them with sandpaper immediately before they cause more damage than they already have! Alternatively, sometimes simply wiping down your boat with WD-40 will do enough work that it won’t matter if there are patches here and there because most boats are made from metal anyway (although still not recommended) so long as no major parts need replacing soon after doing so).

Inboard motor

• Change oil and filter, if needed. Most motor manufacturers recommend checking the oil level and changing it every 50 hours of use, but some models recommend more frequent changes. Also check for water in your engine’s oil and fuel tank. If you find water in either one, drain all liquids from the system (including oil or fuel) before starting up again.
• Check wiring for loose connections or frayed wires that may need to be replaced. Look for anything that feels loose or disconnected as well as any cuts in wires that could cause a short circuit if they touch another part of the system (like another wire). Repair any issues you find before continuing to use your boat’s motorized equipment.
• Check hoses for cracks or leaks; replace if necessary. Hoses are especially prone to wear and tear over time, so check them every few months on your boat maintenance checklist and replace them when necessary—especially if they’re old or look worn out! You should also check whether all fasteners are secure before each use: loose parts can cause serious damage during operation if they come free unexpectedly while running at high speeds on open water!

Engine oil

• Change engine oil every season.
• Check oil level regularly.
• Use the right oil and filter—not an off-brand or improper type.
• Check for leaks, especially around the valve cover gasket and timing chain cover seals.

Fuel filters

• Fuel filters are important to keep your boat running smoothly.
• How often should you replace fuel filters? Every year or two, depending on how much use your boat gets.
• How do you replace fuel filters? Remove the old filter with a screwdriver, then install the new one by turning it clockwise until it’s tight. Make sure not to overtighten or you’ll risk cracking it! If water is getting into your engine through the filter, that means there’s something wrong with the tank or lines, so be sure and have them checked out by a professional before trying again yourself (safety first!).

Lower unit

• Check the lower unit for cracks or leaks.
• Check the lower unit for loose bolts.
• Check the lower unit for proper lubrication.

Lubricate clamps and latches

When it comes to boat maintenance, especially if you’re out at sea and in need of a quick and easy fix, you should be prepared. This means that you should always carry some kind of lubricant with you on the boat. Lubricants come in many forms, but for this particular task we recommend something that’s easy to apply and won’t drip or run off before it dries (think WD-40). In addition, an oil-based lubricant is ideal because oil tends to stay soft longer than water-based ones do.

Now let’s talk about clamps and latches. A clamp is usually metal hardware used for holding two things together (like planks on a deck) while a latch holds doors closed or covers open for easy access (or air conditioning). To lubricate these items generally means applying enough pressure between the parts so that they don’t rub against each other anymore; otherwise they’ll become worn down over time due to friction caused by movement within their joints or hinges!

Replace boat cover if necessary

• Check the boat cover for tears or holes
• Replace the boat cover if necessary.
• Check the boat cover for damage from sun, sunburn, and fading.

It is important to keep your boat in shape when not using it.

• It is important to keep your boat in shape when not using it. One of the best ways is to simply keep it out of the water, instead of leaving it sitting in a slip or at the dock covered with a tarp. This will allow you to inspect your hull and make sure that there are no leaks or corrosion.
• Check all lights on board for proper operation, including navigation, running lights and anchor light(s).
• Make sure all safety equipment is onboard (lifejackets, fire extinguishers and flares) and check their expiration dates if applicable.
• Inspect all lines attaching your boat to shorelines or docks for chafe damage—this can lead to premature failure of ropes that could otherwise be used for mooring or anchoring—and replace them as needed so they don’t crack under strain while you’re underway.

The boat maintenance checklist is just a starting point. There are many other things that need to be done before you take your boat out on the water. If you want more information about how to keep your boat in good working order, contact us today!