As fun as it is to own a racing boat, neglecting recommended maintenance can create headaches. Boats are expensive, and lagging on maintenance can lead to costly damages and degradation of the boat’s resale value.
A combination of preventative and consistent upkeep measures helps keep your boat in top-notch condition for a long time.
Good maintenance also helps you enjoy your boat to the fullest while keeping you safe in the water. Whether you’re a first-time or experienced boat owner, follow these maintenance tips to help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your boat in pristine condition.
Wash and Rinse
A racing boat can accumulate dirt in the water after a busy race day. To keep your boat in perfect condition, wash and rinse it as regularly as it gets dirty. The accumulation of algae and saltwater on your boat’s surface can destroy the paint and cause speed problems related to an ineffective hull operation.
Anytime you race or cruise through salty water, ensure you clean and rinse your boat with fresh water to remove saltwater sediments from your boat’s surface. Soap, fresh water, and soft cloth can do the work perfectly. Only ensure you’re scrubbing gently to minimize scratches and leave your boat’s surface looking new.
Wax and Polish
While you mustn’t do this as regularly as you wash your boat, occasional waxing and polishing can help maintain its impressive exterior and keep it in good condition. Waxing is a labor-intensive process that’s best done periodically to prevent corrosion and keep your paint job, hull decals, striping, decking, and graphics intact. If you don’t anchor your boat in the shade when not in use, you may also need frequent waxing to protect it from the impact of UV rays damage. Additionally, investing in high-quality anchors can help keep your boat secure, preventing unnecessary movement that could lead to exterior wear and tear.
Similar to waxing, periodic polishing can protect your boat’s metal fixtures and railings from corrosion, especially if it has been frequently exposed to saltwater. Polishing is a necessary preventative care technique that helps conceal chippings and rusting for a pristine boat with remarkable beauty and value.
Invest in Professional Boat Lettering
Owning a racing boat is more about standing out among other boats and showcasing your uniqueness on the water. Investing in boat lettering, graphics, and decals is one of the most effective ways to achieve an outstanding exterior finish for your race boat. Professionals like McNamara Signs can customize any boat name, logo, registration numbers, and hailport decals to give your boat a unique finish.
Boat lettering and decals offer an easier, more colorful, and more resilient decorating option than traditional hand-painting. You can choose your favorite colors and design options or let the professionals do it all for you for a perfect surprise.
Cover Your Boat
While anchoring your boat under a shade is the most effective way of protecting it from UV rays, sometimes installing one can be expensive. Also, frequent waxing can be a challenge for many busy boat owners. The best approach is to cover it with a breathable and water-repellant fabric.
Covering your boat when not in use protects the exterior, seats, and other components from UV rays. While unfurling and applying the cover every time can be tiresome, it’s a necessary procedure that can save you significant repair and maintenance costs. The cost of reupholstering your boat seats or replacing a carpet can take you back a good chunk of money, especially if you have to do it more frequently.
Maintain Clean Windows
Depending on the material of your boat windows, you may have to clean one type of window more frequently. Glass windows are generally easier to clean and maintain. However, acrylic or vinyl windows are more challenging to clean and maintain.
Vinyl windows turn yellow and brittle if not cleaned properly, while acrylic can easily get scratched when salt and dirt build-up. The best way to clean and maintain your acrylic and vinyl windows is to use water and mild soap and avoid chemicals that might discolor or damage the surface.
Change Engine Oil and Filters
Changing your boat’s engine oil as needed protects your boat against breakdown and poor performance caused by deposits and wear. One of the best boat engine maintenance tips is to change your oil every fall season before storing your boat. This oil change helps remove the acidic byproducts of combustion, and the fresh oil protects components against corrosion during storage.
The best way to ensure maximum engine protection is to use engine oil with the correct additives to prevent rust or corrosion. Your oil must contain special rust and corrosion inhibitors in the right concentration and proportions to protect your engine in storage. This is important because boat engines are prone to corrosion due to their continual water exposure. When satisfied with the oil change, also change the filters. This way, you can be sure your engine will be lubricated with clean oil the next time you drive it.
Treat Fuel as Needed During the Season
While it’s common practice for boat owners to use automotive fuel additives periodically to treat fuel, it’s better to use them with every fuel tank your boat consumes. Most marine fuels sold today have ethanol, which has a natural affinity for water. If moisture accumulates in your gas tank, it can mix with the ethanol, causing your fuel to perform poorly.
That’s why you must use the right fuel additive with the right fuel ratio to optimize its performance. The right additive keeps water dispersed in the fuel tank and prevents phase separation, which occurs when water mixes with ethanol and separates from gasoline. The correct, continual application of additives also inhibits the formation of gums, varnish, and performance-robbing deposits.
Check Your Battery Every Season
When left unchecked, batteries can be the leading interrupters of fun and related water activities. A flat battery can cause your boat to stop in the middle of nowhere, leading to expensive rescue missions. Before leaving, check if your battery is topped up with distilled water, is charged, and continues to hold charge. You should also ensure the connections aren’t loose or corroded.
Maintaining your racing boat in pristine condition helps you enjoy a worry-free boating experience for an extended period. Implementing the above tips will keep your boat in perfect shape for use and sale when the time comes to sell it.
