How to Maintain Your Boat

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Wash your boat regularly.

   And if you boat in saltwater, rinse your boat thoroughly with fresh water after every outing to remove salt residue.
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   Step 2: Use soaps and cleaners made just for boats to protect your boat’s finish.

   , Four-stroke outboards, inboards and stern drive boats require regular oil changes.
   
   The frequency will vary by model, but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 100 hours of operation or at least once a year. , Use a deep socket to make sure the propeller nut is secure. , If it has, have your dealer inspect the gear-case, because fishing line can cause gear-case leaks and gear-case service is not a do-it-yourself job. , It’s OK if your prop is missing paint, but send it out for repairs if you find signs of impact.
   
   The smallest dent can cause your boat to lose 10% of performance and will burn more fuel than normal. , Do NOT forget to put a new cotter pin in if you have an outboard.
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   Step 3: Change your boat's oil regularly.

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   Step 4: Check the propeller as part of your pre-launch routine (If you have an outboard or stern drive boat).

5. 5

   Step 5: Remove the propeller several times during the season to make sure discarded fishing line hasn’t become wrapped around the propeller shaft.

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   Step 6: While you have the propeller off

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   Step 7: inspect it for nicks

8. 8

   Step 8: dents and other signs of damage.

9. 9

   Step 9: Put a liberal amount of waterproof grease on the propeller shaft and re-install the propeller and hardware in the same order that you took them off

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    Step 10: and tighten the propeller nut to the manufacturers specifications.

Detailed Guide

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