Deck Boat Maintenance 101: Tips and Tricks to Keep Your Vessel in Prime Condition

Owning your own deck boat is a fun and exciting experience. You’re able to hit the water anytime you want to engage in water sports, spend time fishing, or even relax on the open water.

With that being said, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance of your boat so you can continue to enjoy these activities for years to come. Join us as we go through our most essential boat maintenance tips.

Complete A Thorough Inspection

Whether you’re going out on the water for the first time this season or the 50th, it’s important to take time to inspect your vessel before launching your boat.

During your inspection, be sure to check the propellor, engine, and batteries. Make sure each of these parts is intact and working smoothly.

During your inspection, check your propeller to ensure it is free of debris. Visually inspect the engine compartment and bilge areas for any leaks and confirm there are no gasoline odors.

Ensure your batteries are adequately charged. Before starting your boat, it’s a good practice to activate your blower system and run it for at least four minutes.

Clean Your Vessel Regularly

If your boat is kept in the water, never go more than a month without wiping down the hull. If you store your boat on land, wipe your boat down after every use.

Consistently cleaning your boat not only allows it to last longer, it also improves its performance, clears it of pollutants, and keeps it looking good. If you’re regularly using your boat in saltwater, it’s recommended to rinse it with fresh water after every use.

Another way to keep your boat clean is to consistently make sure there’s a cover on it after use. This allows the deck and interior to stay in good shape as long as possible. Applying UV protectants to your boat’s upholstery, canvas, and fiberglass areas is essential as well.

Be Careful When Docking Or Beaching Your Boat

If possible, keep the body of your boat away from direct contact with docks. Place buoys or other materials between your boat and the dock when docking your boat to prevent scratching or more serious damage.

When beaching your boat, be aware of your surroundings. Be sure there aren’t any rocks or large debris you’ll be beaching on that could tear the bottom of your boat. 

Winterize In The Off-Season

If you live somewhere that gets cold in the winter, it’s important to winterize your boat at the end of the season. Winterizing is when you prepare your boat to be stored for many months over the winter and protect your motor and freshwater systems from experiencing a hard freeze.

You must drain the water from the hull, cooling system, and the engine. Next, change your oil and engine filter and wash and wax the hull. Then, treat your fuel and remove your battery to prevent it from being damaged in the winter weather. 

Finally, cover your boat so the interior can be protected from the harsh wind and weather winter brings. While there are more steps you can take to winterize your boat, these are the essentials when it comes to protecting your boat and increasing its longevity. 

Remember, if you choose to store your boat outdoors during the winter, have it shrink-wrapped. A normal boat cover won’t hold up to winter wind, ice, and heavy snow.

Find Your Perfect Luxury Deck Boat

Whether you’re planning to enjoy an afternoon fishing or take a sunset cruise along the water, our boats allow you to embark on unforgettable adventures.

With Splendor, you can rest assured that your vessel will perform well and provide a luxurious experience for the whole family.

Ready to create the custom boat you’ve been dreaming of? Click below to get started!