As a boat owner it is important to look after your vessel in order to prolong its life and your enjoyment. Owning a boat comes with considerable costs but with proper maintenance, the costs of boat repair can be kept to a minimum.

Regular Maintenance Items

• Wash your boat frequently- it is best to do this after every use, using fresh water, a long-handled brush and environmentally friendly soap specifically made for boats to protect the gel coat finish and the environment.

• Wipe down your seats- to prevent dirt, salt water, mould and mildew from damaging your seats, ensure you are washing them down (without letting water pool in the seat), rinsing away the soap residue away in a circular motion and drying the seats down afterwards. Also applying a UV inhibitor once a week should help prevent fading and cracking.

• Check the engine- now and then look over the engine to ensure all hoses are intact (replace if you notice cracks), lubricate moving parts with anti-corrosive lubricant, check for corrosion on fuel lines and clamps and check that the outboard motor is secure to the transom by tightening bolts.

• Clean the boat interior regularly- hoover the floors and carpets. Be sure to wipe down and clean all surfaces and storage compartments with a biodegradable boat wash solution.

• You will also need to keep an eye on the propeller, battery, bilge pump, electrical lines and ensure the oil and oil filter are changed when necessary.