Ongoing checks and maintenance over the summer can keep your boat clean and efficient throughout the season, while also helping you avoid costly repairs in the long-term.
In this post we will outline some essential mid-season boat engine checks and maintenance tasks that will help you enjoy a summer of smooth sailing.
Mid-Season Boat Engine Checks
You should routinely check:
- Your engine’s oil levels. Throughout the season, try to keep the oil between the min and max marks.
- Antifreeze, or a water cooling system, levels, if your engine has these.
- Fluid leaks, whether it is oil, coolant, or water. You may have to use a torch to search the dark parts of your engine compartment for signs of leaks. If you see any sign of leakage, even if it is just a single drop, locate the source and address it immediately. Leaks can get worse over time, so the earlier you can fix them, the better.
- All the parts of the engine – including the belts, hoses, and any other moving parts – for signs of degradation, including splits, cuts, or chafes.
- Check on consumables and components. Read the manufacturer’s guidance for instructions on how often you should clean or replace certain components, such as the water pump impeller.
Mid-Season Boat Battery Checks
Check your boat battery’s charge as often as you can. If it is ever lower than you expect, enlist a trained mechanic to address any issues, or look for any faulty equipment on your boat that may be draining the charge.
Also check the terminals for signs of corrosion. This is another area where the sooner you address a problem, the less it could cost you overall.
Mid-Season Hull Maintenance
Check all cleats, seals, and other fittings for signs of leaks or water entry. Check your anodes from time to time for signs of rusting, and detangle any debris from your propellor as often as possible.
Throughout the summer, it can also help to routinely rinse the deck and hull with fresh water. This can prevent salt and dirt from accumulating, which can make the more thorough hull maintenance a lot easier once the season draws to a close.
Other Mid-Season Boat Checks
- Make sure all of your onboard safety equipment is still in code and in good condition. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for more information about each item’s lifespan, and replace anything that needs replacing as soon as possible.
- During the long summer days, it can be easy to take your boat’s lights for granted. So make sure to check your boat’s navigation lights as often as possible, so you can replace any faulty or burnt out bulbs long before the nights draw in.
Ongoing Seasonal Boat Maintenance
We have a complete guide to the sort of safety inspections you should make each season, to keep your boat in good dependable condition all year round. Read our guide to seasonal boat safety inspections.
We also have a detailed guide to cosmetic repairs and hull maintenance, a dedicated guide to boat maintenance in the winter, and a guide to off-season storage for boats.
Get The Right Cover For Your Boat Throughout the Mid-Season and Beyond
Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat throughout those busy mid-season summer months, and beyond.
Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.