Finally got that boat running good and in the water and ready to fish? Here are a few simple steps that can be taken to can keep your boat performing great and in tip top shape!
As most people know, salt can cause tremendous damage to vehicles, electronics, boats or just about anything. The single and most important action you can take to keep your outboard running great is to thoroughly rinse and flush it with fresh water after every use. This is accomplished by hooking your outboard up to a fresh water hose with either ears or straight to the hose connection point on the motor itself (if you have a newer outboard). It is very inportant to flush for at least 15 minutes. This will keep corrosion and salt from taking over your motor and causing you headaches down the road. If you are keeping your boat in salt water for your week’s vacation, make sure to trim your engine up out of the water! This will save you a lot of labor when your engine is being serviced, and will keep corrosion and growth from harming your lower unit.
In addition, the salt water and sun can cause oxidation to your gelcoat which makes it become chalky and hard to clean. The elements can also rust your bright work, deteriorate your vinyl and fabrics, and weaken your plastics on your boat. For our company, SaltyNative BoatWorks, to detail a boat and repair the sun and salt water damage can be costly if let go and not cared for properly. It is important and very effective to wash the entire boat with soap and water, or at least rinse it, bow to stern, very well after each use. If the water does not “bead up” on the surfaces of your boat, then it needs a good coat of wax to protect your gelcoat. Rinsing a boat after each use may not seem to be doing much, but believe it or not, it can save you hundreds of dollars in the long haul.
Thanks for reading and hope to see ya on the water! To keep your boat maintained and in tip top shape with no hassles, give SaltyNative BoatWorks a call today at 850-570-6424. Also, check us out at www.saltynativeboatworks.com.
By Capt. Brittany Regelski
Alligator Point, FL
Tight lines, be safe and have some good times out there! To book a trip with us, please call SaltyNative Charters at 850-570-6424 and ask for Capt. Brittany or Capt. Tim. Or check us out at www.saltynativecharters.com.