Did you know around 82% of all boating incidents reported last year were due to boats breaking down on the water? Maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore – get into the routine and maintain your boat.
WIN a Maintenance Package
The competition has now closed. Congratulations to Henry McNally from Vermont South who won a Sidchrome tool chest and RFD inflatable lifejacket to the value of $1,960.
The correct answers were:
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1. Which of the following does NOT apply to regular boat maintenance checks?
A. Check to see that your safety equipment is in working order
B. Make sure you have enough fishing rods onboard
C. Check to see if your battery is charged
D. Check that your engine is in service
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2. What is considered an adequate amount of fuel to have onboard before you head out?
A. A full tank
B. A little bit more than you think you need
C. Enough for 1/3 out, 1/3 in and 1/3 reserve
D. At least half full | |
3. What parts of the boat need to be maintained?
A. Motor
B. Battery
C. Electrical wiring
D. All of the above |
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Check your motor
Manufacturers usually recommend a service by a specialised workshop at least once a year, even if the motor is hardly used. This ensures vital internal parts, such as the water pump is checked. If your motor is used regularly, you should change your gear-box oil every three months.
Sacrificial Anodes: Just what are they? Read the latest details on a small, but vital part of the outboard motor.
- Replace your pull cord if it fraying
- Check all wiring
- Clean spark-plugs, check gap or replace
- Check compression
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check and re-fill gear case oil
- Clean cooling system passages
- Check propeller and nut – sand or file any small cracks
- Check and replace the sacrificial anode
Check your fuel
- Always replace old fuel - never go out with fuel which is more than six months old
- Make sure you have enough fuel for the trip - 1/3 out, 1/3 back and 1/3 in reserve
- Clean your fuel tank at least once a year with a suitable solvent and dispose of old fuel responsibly
- Inspect the fuel tank for cracks or corrosion
- Always replace old fuel after periods of inactivity
- Inspect fuel lines, manual priming bulb and connections for cracks and leaks
- Clean out or replace fuel filter
- For fuel disposal please make contact with your local council for details
Check your batteries
- Top up battery cells with distilled water and check each cell with a hydrometer
- The battery should be charged at a rate that is suitable to the battery and should never be over-charged.
- Batteries should be secured in brackets
- Battery terminals, cables and casing should be kept clean
- Grease terminals regularly
- Test all equipment that uses the battery
Check your boat structure
- Clean and paint your boat regularly
- Inspect boat for corrosion and cracks
- Ensure all bungs are suitable and in good condition
- Check for water and fuel leaks
- Check and grease drain flaps
- Ensure bilges are clean and dry
- Test steering for stiffness - oil cable with the correct lubricant
We also recommend keeping the following items on board:
- Engine manual
- Flywheel pull rope
- Spare ‘O’ rings for fuel connector
- New spark-plugs
- A spark-plug spanner (or diesel injector spanner)
- Ratchet with extender and shifting spanner
- Spare fuses, bung and shackle
- A sharp knife, pliers and screwdrivers
- Spare propeller nut, washer, split pins and socket for propeller nut
- Steel wool to clean battery terminals
- De-watering spray (RP7 or similar)
- Spare oil and funnel
- Spare key and stop harness (kill switch lanyard)