4 minute read
AUTUMN MAINTENANCE
Some basic maintenance needs to be done to make sure your boat is not only ready for the winter months, but is also protected and ready to go at the start of the new boating season.
Basic maintenance now will pay dividends next season
Record high temperatures around the world meant more people than ever turned to boats and personal watercraft as a way to cool off, but now that autumn is here, many owners need to start prepping for winter storage. If done properly, their craft will be ready to go for the next boating season, but if not, they could be stuck with expensive repairs.
To prevent these types of issues, a few simple maintenance steps, provided here courtesy of Lucas Oil, can make the prep process a breeze and keep marine products running like new.
Cleaning – Making sure boats, personal watercraft and their trailers are clean and free of residual saltwater, dirt and grime is a very important step to preserving all the different surfaces found on them. Hulls, decks, railings, tie down cleats, interior spaces, controls and more should be cleaned thoroughly and inspected for damage. For added protection against winter elements applying products, such as Lucas Slick Mist Marine Speed Wax, to gel coats and other shiny surfaces provides protection against moisture, dust, dirt and other elements.
el ste – A fuel system is one of the most critical components of a boat or watercraft to prepare for storage. When stored for extended periods of time, fuel degrades and its chemical properties change preventing it from properly combusting in an engine. The shelf life of fuel is generally three to six months, but can be much less. To prevent fuel system problems in storage, boat owners should add a bottle of fuel stabiliser to slow the degradation process that causes gum and varnish deposits throughout the fuel system. A fuel stabiliser also cleans, lubricates and maintains fuel pumps, carburettors, fuel injectors and compression rings.
Engine Oil – After a long boating season that may have involved scheduled oil changes, it is very important for boaters with both inboard and outboard motors to change their oil prior to storage. A high-quality conventional or synthetic engine oil will keep internal components lubricated and protected throughout winter. Additionally, when a bottle of, for example, Lucas Complete Engine Treatment is added to engine oil, it reduces gum and varnish, friction and wear of internal engine components, improves engine oil’s cold temperature fl uidity and helps extend oil life.
atter aintenance – It is recommended that batteries be removed and all terminals, battery posts and other connections be cleaned and coated with an anti-corrosion grease like Lucas Oil Marine Grease, which contains unique polymers, anti-wear agents and tackifi ers designed for fresh and saltwater environments. Marine grease is also great for trailer wheel bearings, trailer chassis and other friction points requiring premium marine grease.
“Being on the water to fi sh, waterski or just cruise with friends and family is something people cherish, but not taking the proper steps to store your boat can cause a lot of headaches down the road,” said Morgan Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. “Taking a little time to properly prep your boat in the autumn can make a world of difference when getting ready for the next boating season.” lucasoil.co.uk
rn to page 2 to nd o t how to winterise o r o t oard.
PARTS & ACCESSORIES, SERVICING AND OUTSTANDING BOAT YARD FACILITIES
AT SWANWICK AND WARSASH
RK Marine off ers outstanding facilities and services for owners of both sailboats and motorboats.
We provide lifting, storage, berthing and servicing, and our dedicated workshops off er a wide range of engineering work. There is also a well stocked Parts Store for quick and helpful across-the-counter service.
So call us or call in and tell us what SUMMER OFFERS NOW AVAILABLE WINTER WORK DEALS AVAILABLE service you need. CALL US FOR DETAILS PLEASE CONTACT US FOR DETAILS
• Motor Boat Lifting (Swanwick) up to 60ft / 40 tons • Yacht Lifting (Warsash) for up to 35ft / 15 tons • Hard Standing, Covered Storage and Pontoon Berthing • Engine Sales & Servicing • Experienced Service Engineers • Well stocked Parts Store
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