Ready to head out on the water for your summer vacation? Not so fast. If you’re not careful, you could become part of the hundreds of boat accidents that occur every year.
Boat accidents are often the result of operator error, and in some occasions substance abuse. But failure to take care of proper boat maintenance can also be a cause of accidents. If you don’t keep up with your boat repairs, you could be putting yourself and those you love at risk.
Luckily, we have you covered. Here are five repairs you should put on your summer book checklist.
1. Boat Repairs Begin With Your Battery
The solenoid in your boat is only one component, but perhaps the most important one. If you do not prepare your boat with a charged battery, boating season could get off to a bad start. Even if your boat is able to take off from the dock, it might die out in the water and strand you there.
Ensure your battery is charged. If not, you will need to replace or recharge it.
2. Check Your Fluids
As you prepare your yacht, think of it like you do your car. It also needs oil replacements, brake fluid, and antifreeze for engine cooling. Similar to the battery, failing to top up on these fluids could lead to a very bad beginning to a boating season.
3. Give the Belts and Hoses Some Love
One thing you will need to do regardless of every year is clean out the fuel hoses. While you are down there in the engine, examine the belts and valves. Check out these marine valves for sale if you need to replace any.
4. Do Your Due Diligence With the Cooling System
The cooling system causes some of the most common problems owners have during their boat preparations. There may be cracks or leaks in the lines, which can cause your engine to overheat. Get your boat running and identify any of these disruptions so you can avoid finding out when you are already away from land.
Failure to address cooling systems could lead to your engine overheating and critical damage. Take care of cooling issues now rather than later.
5. Don’t Forget the Bilge Pump
The bilge is one of the most important parts of a boat. This is where excess water collects inside the hull. It won’t sink your ship at low levels, but can easily do so when left unchecked.
Your bilge pump is the only thing pumping that water out of the hull. Make sure that it is functioning, and that there is no sediment blocking up the filters.
Make Sure Your Boat Is Ready for Boating Season This Year
Boat repairs are an essential part of your summer boat checklist before you take the family out. Most of your time will be spent in the engine, such as with oil levels and coolant levels. You will also need to do some work on the bilge to make sure the pump is working.
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