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Boat Maintenance Tips for Kansas & Missouri

Proper maintenance can extend the life of your boat, reduce the need for costly repairs, and help ensure the safety of your passengers on the lakes this summer.


Clean and Care for Your Boat

Wash your boat regularly to prevent the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear.

Routine waxing and the use of an anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements.

Consider using environmentally-safe products whenever possible! Paint with extra chemicals may end up affecting local waterways and rivers!


Consider a Watercraft Cover

Invest in a cover to keep your boat clean and free from dirt, water, falling leaves and bird droppings, all of which cause damage if left unchecked. A cover can also prevent UV rays from breaking down hoses and fading carpets and upholstery. Sun is definitely a consideration no matter where you live!


Routine Boat Inspections

Proper boat maintenance means being actively involved in, and attuned to, all aspects of your vessel. Keep an eye out for everything from loose fittings to fraying ropes to any other areas of your watercraft that may need special attention or replacement.

Many times, damages incurred to a watercraft could easily have been prevented by following a preventative watercraft maintenance routine.

You can also have a professional vessel inspection. Some locations require it – check online to see if your boat may be subject to one before you put into the water.


Watercraft Battery Care Tips

Depending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and that it has the correct fluid levels. Always keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can drain your battery.


Motor Maintenance

Flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to the clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion. Also check your oil for correct levels, proper filtration, and cleanliness. Last, but not least, keep an eye on your engine’s cooling system to make sure it’s functioning correctly.


Bilge Pumps

A crucial aspect of boat maintenance is ensuring that your bilge pump is functioning properly. There’s not much that can cause more irreparable damage to a boat than having it sink! In the event that you need to use your pump, you’ll want to make sure that your battery system contains enough power to run the pump for a prolonged period of time.


Electrical Components

Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your watercraft maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellant, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.


Winterization

Boat maintenance doesn’t only mean paying attention to your boat when you’re actively using it during the warm weather months, Chicago – you also need to be sure to protect your watercraft through an effective winterization routine.


"Stay in the Know" Courses

Last but not least, responsible boat maintenance means taking the time to familiarize yourself with all aspects of watercraft care. Consult your owner’s manual for in-depth guidelines.


If you’re new to boating, your boat dealer may know of helpful boat safety and training courses that deal specifically with your type of boat. And while it’s always important to take the time to learn how to do things yourself, don’t be afraid to seek the help of professionals when needed.


Discussion

Ridley

Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 12:30pm CDT

These are helpful tips for boat care. We are looking at buying a boat, but since we’ve never had one before, we wanted to make sure the maintenance was doable. Why does the engine need to be flushed every time it’s used?


Eve Mitchell

Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 2:03pm CDT

Thanks for the tip about checking your engine for proper filtration and oil levels. I’m hoping that I can get my outboard motor looked at before I start boating for the season. I’ve noticed that it seems a bit rusty, so I definitely want to get it checked out.


Elaina D'Agostino

Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at 2:20am CDT

You were right that watercraft damage could easily be prevented by performing preventative maintenance. This is the reason why my dad is gathering supplies to be used on the boat. He intend to check the vessel once or twice a month and perform necessary repairs when needed.


Lana

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 2:54am CDT

We get some pretty harsh winters where I live, so I appreciated that part of your article. You said we need to make sure the boat is protected through an effective winterization routine. What would you suggest? Do we need a storage area for the boat during winter?





Kael Drake

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 5:59pm CST

I really liked your boat maintenance ideas! I just recently finished repairing my boat’s stern drive, and have been trying to think of ways to keep my boat in good shape. I really liked your idea of doing routine boat inspections. I think that if I do this, I’ll be able to catch a lot of problems before they happen! I’ll make sure to inspect my boat regularly from now on. Thanks for the tips!


Leviticus Bennett

Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 12:23pm CDT

I like your tip to wash your boat regularly to prevent wear and tear. If you’re using you boat in saltwater, this is extremely important. If you don’t clean the boat, the salt could cause lots of problem just sitting on your boat.


Johnny McCarron

Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at 9:57pm CDT

Thanks for saying to flush your engine after every outing. My buddy’s engine seems to have gone kaput. He’s thinking of getting a custom fuel tank for his boat.


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