Safety First

Safety Upkeep Small maintenance projects that can extend your boat’s lifespan.

HELEN AITKEN is a boating writer, photographer and former science educator from eastern North Carolina. She loves classic wooden boats, is an America’s Boating Club member and plays in the Intracoastal Waterway. Visit her website at

AITKENHELEN.COM.

Preventative and timely maintenance jobs are just as important at the end of the boating season as they are before the season begins. Simple tweaks, tune-ups and replacement projects can improve the look, function and safety of the boat. Here are some easy safety solutions and upgrades to work on after this boating season.

Easy fixes 1. Water and a biodegradable boat wash can remove debris, pollutants and hitchhikers from the boat’s surface. Use a clear wax on the hull at least once a year. 2. After boating, flush the motor in the upright position using a coupler attached to a water hose for about 10 minutes. 3. Sweep, wipe and vacuum the deck and storage areas. Removable carpet should be shaken upside down and vacuumed, then vacuum underneath where the carpet sits. 4. Leftover food or spilled drinks attract insects and vermin, and encourage mold and mildew. Keep a secured trash bag or container within passenger reach and dispose of it responsibly.

Vinyl seats 1. Seats take a beating from passengers, gear and nature’s elements, particularly UV radiation. Routine maintenance should include a conditioner and a protective sealant to prevent cracking. Clean using a mild dish soap or specialty boat soap and rinse. Do not use bleach and ammonia-based products, as they will weaken vinyl. 2. For hard-to-remove stains, try gently rubbing a Magic Eraser pad in a circular motion. Mold and mildew can be removed with baking soda and vinegar left on for several minutes after the bubbling has stopped. Rinse and wipe dry. 3. Dry the seams, as they retain water. Moisture trapped between vinyl and the gelcoat may cause the gelcoat to blister. 4. Repair small cracks or tears in vinyl seats before resorting to duct tape. Most repair kits cost less than $25 and come with easy instructions. 5. Vinyl and acrylics in the cockpit should be cleaned with soapy water and sealed with a protectant. Polyethylene can be cleaned with a spray and wipe cleaner. Interior inspections 1. Inspect battery connections for corrosion. Clean the contacts with baking soda and a wire brush, then lightly coat the connections with grease or a corrosion preventative. 2. Electrical lines can wear down. Clear them of debris, cobwebs and vermin, then inspect the current flow with a digital multimeter. 3. On large boats, unhook bilge pump hoses and check for clogs. Consider installing a secondary one. 4. Scuppers drain the deck instead of going into the bilge. Check the flaps for debris, and replace the flap if the seal is broken. 5. Change the engine oil and filter about every 100 hours or once a year. With a hand pump, new filter and oil, it’s about $20 and 30 minutes of work. Diesel engines need changing about every 50 hours. 6. Change out a pedestal chair height with a new base and pedestal, then add a tracker base to move the seat forward and back.

End-of-season checkups 1. Several times a year, remove the prop and look for damage, dings and changes in pitch. Then tighten the prop nut and grease the shaft. 2. Is it time to change the cleats, rod holders and electronics? Also repair minor fiberglass damage and update the bottom paint. 3. Bow rails, windows, deck fittings and other items with caulk and gaskets flex over time and seals break. Look for gaps or leaks, and replace the gaskets or re-caulk as needed. 4. Don’t forget trailer maintenance. Look at the tire treads and keep the proper air pressure. Examine the wheel hubs and lube them as needed. Check the bearing grease once a year. Also test the coupling device, electrical connection and trailer tail lights.

Final words Make sure you’re comfortable changing out or repairing items. Do your research, plan your projects, have the right equipment on hand, and take your time. Reading a manual or watching a video might not be enough, so seek out a professional if needed.

Take a class with America’s Boating Club or Coast Guard Auxiliary to develop the confidence to take on bigger projects. Even small maintenance projects extend the lifespan of a boat. ★