How to Take Care of Your Fishing Boat

Whether
you’re a novice or veteran out on the open water, all boat owners should know
how to take care of their vessels properly. Like a car, a boat needs regular
upkeep and maintenance to operate in tip-top shape. If you neglect the care
required, you may have a lot of problems on your hands. Luckily, it’s not all
that difficult to do any of this. Here’s a quick guide so you can cover all
your bases.

Gelcoat

If you own a fiberglass boat,
you’ll want to pay
attention to the gelcoat, or the exterior finish. This layer works to protect
underlying materials from moisture, sun and salt. You can maintain this with a
little bit of effort — but make sure you have the right materials on
hand. Otherwise, it can dissolve or stain easily. 

Research
a variety of waxes and polishes before you choose one. Then, you’ll know for
sure which one works best for your boat. Make this a priority about twice a
year.

Engine

The engine is the central part of
your vessel, so you have to take care of it as best you can. There are several
engine issues owners can encounter, from blown fuses to loose belts.
Ultimately, how much all of this will cost depends on several variables — in
some cases, you may need a total replacement. 

Before
you jump to any conclusions, figure out what’s wrong and consult your owner’s
manual. Often, the solution you need is right there. Change your oil as
required, and you won’t encounter too many problems. 

Upholstery and Carpet

Today,
it’s not uncommon for boats to have several seats and carpet on the interior.
While a nice bonus, these additions require a bit more upkeep because they
constantly endure the elements. Make sure to spray down these surfaces
regularly, so they remain clean. If an area is especially dirty, rent a vacuum
to suck up everything from the fabric. Then, thoroughly dry the entire space.
Doing so will ensure no mildew or mold grows.

Livewell

As
a fisherman, you use your livewell during each trip. While this is a
particularly handy compartment, it doesn’t exactly smell the best. The more you
store fish and bait, the more the space is susceptible to stains and bacteria
buildup. 

Try to clean your
livewell as often as you can. Remove the filters and spray some water
on them to break apart any gunk. Choose a nontoxic cleaner for the interior of
the livewell — you don’t want to harm the fish or yourself if you
plan to eat what you catch. 

Brightwork

Your
boat may have exposed metal or wood, possibly on the handrails, steps or deck.
While these materials are meant to endure a life at sea, they still need some
maintenance. How you care for these
areas of
your vessel depends on how you want them to look. For a warmer tone, polish and
varnish are usually necessary to combat any greying. However, all brightwork
should be lightly scrubbed and cleaned to look its best. 

Regular Upkeep Is Essential

A
boat is an investment, and it requires continuous love and care to work
properly, like anything else. Make sure you spend an adequate amount of time
cleaning and maintaining your vessel. Doing so will ensure you don’t encounter
any major issues unexpectedly.