Even though Palm Beach center console boats enjoy unbelievably gorgeous weather most of the year, South Florida still experiences seasonal fluctuations. Every boat needs maintenance, and the specific maintenance tasks can vary depending on location and season.
Whether you’re a current owner or you’re shopping for center console boats for sale in South Florida, you need to be ready for whatever nature throws your way. Use these points to make sure your boat will be in excellent shape when it’s time to hit the water!
Clean Your Boat
In South Florida, mold and invasive plants grow fast, and they can latch onto your boat. Even small animals and insects can decide to make your boat their home.
You may need to get the hull professionally cleaned if your boat lives in the water all the time. If you clean it yourself, avoid toxic chemicals that could harm your boat or slough off and pollute the water.
Test Your Battery
Batteries don’t last forever, and if your battery is on its last sea legs, it could leave you stranded. A typical battery will last between three and four years, and you should pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations about charging. Take care of your battery, and you could get even more time out of it, even up to six years.
Change the Oil
The engine in your boat is like the engine in your car: It needs regular oil changes. For boats, oil should be changed every 50 to 100 hours or at least once per year. Individual engines may vary, so take a look at your owner’s manual first.
Check the Gauges
You need to rely on your gauges, so make sure they are giving accurate readings. Fuel level is especially important!
Inspect the Propeller
Since it lives underwater, the propeller can be easy to ignore. Check it to make sure it is not damaged in any way.
Inspect and Replace Hoses
Boat hoses, just like the ones in your car, can become brittle over time. This brittleness isn’t due to misuse; it’s just the nature of the materials used. Check all of your hoses to make sure there aren’t any leaks, and replace the ones that are starting to crack.
Check Your Fuel
Gas will go bad over time. Even if you’re using the proper non-ethanol gas, it won’t make it more than about six months. Diesel fuel should be good for about a year. If your boat sits unused for long periods, make sure your gas is still usable.
Inspect the Electrical System
Make sure there are no frays or breaks in any of your wiring, and check that the contacts aren’t corroded. Exposed wiring can cause shorts and fires, while corroded contacts will keep electricity from flowing.
Replace Filters
Both fuel and air filters need to be fresh and clean for your engine to run properly. Clogs in either will harm performance or cause engine damage.
Inspect Your Hull
Your boat’s hull can take a beating from regular use. Check thoroughly to make sure there are no blisters, cracks, dents, gouges, or other weak points that could let in water. Check the drain plugs as well to ensure they’re in place.
If Your Boat Is in Poor Shape, Consider Center Console Boats for Sale in South Florida
Your boat can’t take care of you if you don’t take care of it. Some of these checklist items are worth doing every time you go out on your boat, while others only need to be done a few times a year (or less). Put dates on your checklist points to make sure you’re doing them when you need to.
If your boat is no longer serving your needs, it may be time to consider a replacement. A knowledgeable boat dealer can help you understand the best ways to take care of your new boat!
