by riseadmin
9. August 2011 18:49
Keep up with your boat maintenance check list this summer with Gilbert RV Insurance! In addition to offering boat insurance for your beloved vessel, we also have maintenance and boat cleaning tips for responsibly storing it.
Since summer will soon be drawing to a close, now is the time to be planning on how you’re going to manage your boat maintenance for the coming cold. Here are some tried-and-true methods of preparing your boat for storage.
Boat Cleaning Tips
Any boater worth his salt knows that washing your boat right away after using it will keep boat maintenance sailing smoothly. When your boat first comes out of the water is when any residue will still be wet and easily washed off. Especially for storage, take her out for her last hurrah of the summer with the intent of thoroughly scrubbing out the entire boat - deck, hull, and interior - directly upon your return. Wax it with high-quality boat wax until it’s gleaming and ready for coverage.
Draining the Engine Block
For those who do not have the capability of keeping your boat in a temperature controlled space or using it now and then during the winter, draining the engine block is necessary to keep it in good working order. If your engine block freezes the damage can be irreparable. Rust can ruin your engine as well. The winterization process is very exact and outlined in your owner’s manual. If it seems beyond your easy understanding, it may be in your best interest to have a certified technician work their magic to avoid much more costly damages, and possible loss of warranty, coming to light next spring.
The Perfect Time for Regular Boat Maintenance
With a long stretch of time in front of you where your boat will not be used, seize the opportunity to perform all the regular tasks on your boat maintenance check list. Check the fuel line for wear, leaks, or damage and clean the fuel filter. Change the spark plugs while you’re at it, too. If you have any upgrades to make or lengthy repairs that need to be sent out, do it now while you’re waiting on spring to take her back out on the water.
Keep Your Insurance Up to Date
And because out of sight is out of mind, it is important to make sure your boat insurance is up to date so you know you’re ready to roll when you’re anxious to give her a spin next spring, and in case anything should unexpectedly go wrong during the winter season. To learn more about Gilbert’s boat insurance offerings, visit our Products Page. For more tips and information about traveling and vehicle maintenance, feel free to explore the rest of our blog!