Boat maintenance: Boat upkeep tips for motor cruisers and yachts

When purchasing your very own vessel, you want to ensure you have a future full of smooth sails and comfortable cruises. To accomplish this, boat maintenance is key to keeping your boat in top condition.

When stepping into the boating world, you need to remember that boat maintenance and repair are just as important as the motor cruiser itself, especially when it comes down to safety and general operations whilst on the water.

It doesn’t have to be a huge chore, as regular upkeep will make the job easier and less time-consuming. Leaving it for months and letting problems accumulate can not only cause long-lasting issues but also make the job more difficult.

We've compiled a list of key checks and steps to help you get started with maintaining your boat.

Boat maintenance checklist

When it comes to maintaining your yacht or motor cruiser, there are 5 key areas

1. Engine 

A boat engine has lots of components that need regular checks, preferably before each trip out. It's best practice to check fuel and coolant levels, change oil and filters, and regularly inspect belts and hoses.  

2. Propeller

Whilst there’s a lot being done to reduce pollution in the water, there’s unfortunately still a long way to go. This means you should regularly check your propeller for debris. Before your adventure, be sure to check for fishing wire, plastic, and other debris that may have become caught, as this can cause dents and other damage to the propeller. Other things to look out for include:

• Erosion: Ensuring propellers are properly cleaned and treated with the right products when needed will increase their lifespan.  
• Surface damage: Maintaining and storing propellers safely will help prevent surface damage.
• Broken seals: Regularly checking for leaks and broken seals will ensure your boat continues to run smoothly.
• Blade straightness: Straight blades help maintain balance, so it's important to monitor wear and tear.

3. Hull

Before cleaning the hull, scan the boat for any chips and cracks. Ignoring them and just cleaning over them could make them worse. For example, if there's a crack in the hull, you should take several steps to repair it, such as:

1. Clean the hull crack
2. Sand the area and remove any sanding dust
3. Tape off the area
4. Apply a coat of gel and wait for it to fully dry
5. Sand the area once again and then clean the hull

Please always seek professional advice if you are unsure or have concerns about the boat's structural integrity. Once you've cleaned the hull, this is a great time to check navigation lights, bilge pumps, anodes and deck fittings before antifouling your yacht or motor cruiser.

4. Electrics

Make sure you inspect all of your electronics on board for corrosion, including any batteries, breakers, and fuses. It's best to check that your GPS and VHF radio are working properly before setting off too.

5. Rigging and sails

To ensure your rigging and sails remain in the best condition, regularly check your standing rigging for rust, loose fittings, or corrosion. Likewise, your running rigging should be checked for worn sections or any stiffness of movement through the pulleys. When checking your sails and reefing systems, look for any signs of tears, stitching that has come undone, and UV damage. It's also vital to check the mast step and chain plates for wear and tear or damage to ensure your mast remains stable.

Our top 4 boat maintenance tips

Now you know what to look for, here are our top 4 boat maintenance tips to keep in mind while you work.

1. Use the right tools

This may seem obvious to some people, but using the wrong tools could cause you future problems. Especially if you own different types of vessels, what might be best suited to one may not work for the other. Your essential tools will most likely include a soft-bristle brush, a towel, phosphate-free boat wash, boat wax, and fibreglass polish. It’s important that you research your boat's specific needs to achieve the best results! 

2. Clean in portions

Especially when cleaning a larger motor cruiser, it’s best to work in smaller sections. Choose a specific section to focus on, and rinse, soap, buff, and wax before moving on to the next part. Drying in sections is also a good idea because it avoids any watermarks.

3. Try to catch corrosion early

Any part of the boat made of metal is at risk of corrosion, and if it isn’t dealt with quickly and properly, it will eventually break and could cause deterioration that may not be so easily fixed or replaced. You should check the anodes on your cruiser and replace them if necessary.

4. Check the trailer (if applicable to your boat)

Don't forget to check your trailer from time to time; if it's faulty, it could cause damage to your boat. Ensure the rollers are in suitable condition, there is little corrosion, the cables are securely fitted, and the lights are working. 

Specialist yacht and motor cruiser insurance through GJW Direct

Even if you take great care of your boat, accidents can still happen. As well as planning your boat maintenance, you might want to consider specialist insurance for your motor cruiser or yacht to help provide financial protection should it be damaged or stolen. Find out more and get a quote online today.