Smooth Cruising: 11 Crucial Checks to Get at Your Next Boat Service
Electronics, gearbox, cooling and props (and more) – these 11 services are absolutely vital to do at every boat service to keep you on the water for longer
From the hull to steering to max performance – your boat’s an incredible machine, but if you want her to get you to the fish first, you gotta take care of her.
And what better way than to keep to your annual boat service schedule?
Here’s what needs to be done every time you service your boat.
What do we Do During a Boat Service
7 Must-Do Things on Your Engine
1. Belts & hoses
The belts and hoses are what help keep your engine running, so it’s important to check these for wear and tear and replace any of them as needed.
2. Cooling
The cooling system helps prevent your engine from overheating so it gets inspected, and coolant levels are adjusted to ensure everything stays nice and cool.
3. Electrical system
The electrical system is inspected to make sure none of the electrical connections and components have corrosion (something that happens to boats as they are exposed to the elements) and remain in good working order.
4. Fuel System
The fuel system gets inspected for any blockages or leaks, and if need be, the fuel and oil filters are replaced to keep these systems clean and operating well.
5. Oil change
It’s also a good idea to do an oil change where the old engine oil gets drained from the engine and new, high-quality oil is added to lubricate the engine components.
6. Propeller and gearbox
The propeller and gearbox also get inspected to ensure no damage or misalignment that could lead to damage.
7. Spark plugs
Lastly, the spark plugs are checked for wear and tear to ensure they fire up every time and if needed these will also get replaced.
Find the right repair shop to help you navigate your boat repairs.
4 More Important Maintenance Reminders
1. Hull and boat bottom
The hull and bottom of your boat are inspected for damage, get a good clean, and special antifouling paint is applied to prevent sealife like algae, molluscs etc from attaching to the hull.
2. Steering and controls
The steering systems and controls get checked to ensure they operate smoothly and a little lubrication is added if necessary.
3. The rest of the electrical system
All of the electrical systems, including lights, gauges, and navigation equipment, get checked to ensure they’re working as required to operate your boat.
4. Safety equipment
It’s also important to check that all of the additional safety equipment like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and flares are in good condition and have not passed the expiry dates on the items.
How often and when should you service your boat?
Well, it varies from part to part and it depends on where your boat is, and how you use your boat. Check out this super helpful article on an ideal boat service schedule.
How long does a service take?
It’s pretty hassle-free and only takes a handful of hours depending on what we need to do for the service. Occasionally replacing items like spark plugs and impellers may take a little longer, but our team of professional, friendly Nauti-Tech Suzuki technicians will advise you on when to expect your newly serviced boat to be ready.
How to book a service with Nauti-Tech Suzuki
It’s very simple to book a service with us. You can do so in any of the following ways:
- Phone 041 585 1481 (PE)
- Email hello@nautitechsuzuki.com
- WhatsApp +27 61 512 7498
- Contact us via the website
- Or drop by at 5 Produce Street in South End, PE.
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