Spring Boat Maintenance

 The calendar says it’s almost spring yet the 30 degree temps make it seem like a distant dream.  As we just entered the month of April, its time to think about getting your boat out of storage and begin your spring boat maintenance.  So, if you ask yourself,
“do I need to perform boat maintenance?”   or
“where do I start?”
this article is for you.

To answer the question:
“Do I need to perform boat maintenance?” The answer is yes.  Some simple chores done now and throughout the year can save you down time and repair bills down the road.  Review the owner’s manual for your motor to see what needs to be done.

“Where do I start?”
You have two choices
1) You are a do-it-yourselfer and like to get your hands dirty and enjoy the challenge of understanding the ins & outs of boat maintenance OR
2) You prefer bringing your boat in for service and sitting back and letting the experts handle it.  The good news is that US Boatworks has you covered no matter which option you choose.

For the do-it-yourselfer, we stock boat parts, oil, filters, lube – everything you need to get your boat in tip top shape.  We provide only Mercury, Evinrude or Volvo brand name oils that are recommended by your manufacturer.  Don’t be fooled by the cheaper auto oils and lubes.  Over time, you motor’s performance will suffer.

Should you need to order boat parts for your outboard or sterndrive, our on-line engine selector shows engine diagrams/microfische with the corresponding part names.  You can even add parts you need to a shopping cart if you desire.  If you are not certain of what you need, call or email parts department for friendly help with your purchase.

For the boat owner that would rather relax and let us do the work, bring your boat in for your spring checkup soon.  We will look over your boat motor and make sure your precious time out on the water is maximized with fun.  Plan on enjoying hours of worry free time on the lake by allowing the experts do the work.  Our mechanics attend several weeks of manufacturer training every winter so rest assured they are experts in their field and care about each and every boat they service.  Feel free to check our on-line reviews for further evidence that you will be in good hands by choosing US Boatworks for Kansas City boat repair and service.

The team at US Boatworks is excited about the upcoming boating season and looks forward to keeping you out on the water this season.

Boat Maintenance Checklist

Spring is finally here and the sun and warm temperatures are not far behind.  Soon you will want to be out enjoying the sunshine and what better way to do it than getting out on the water? Before you make your first trip to the lake this year, it’s a good idea to make sure your  sterndrive engine or outboard motor is top running shape. Below is a list of some items to review before taking your boat out. This list does not represent everything you should check but does give good suggestions of where you should start. Please consult a certified marine repair mechanic prior to working on your boat motor.  It’s also a good idea to consult your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions specific to your boat model.

CHECKLIST:

Cables, Belts & HosesAlways check for cracking that occurred during winter storage.
Control cables with cracks or swelling on the outer layer may indicate need to replace.Belts should fit tightly around the pulleys to prevent slipping. A worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley & also may fit loosely.
Contact your boat repair center or order cables online to replace yourself.

Electrical ConnectionsCharge your battery and test it so you can be sure it will hold a charge. Electrical systems should be routinely inspected by a qualified technician.Review electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness. Check for corrosion which is often a sign that the connection may not be safe. Remove terminals and use a wire brush to clean connections and cable ends.

Propellers & HullsInspect propellers for damage. Verify the propeller is properly secured.
If you experience unwanted vibration, poor performance and damage to the propulsion system, your prop may be damaged & need to be replaced.
Inspect the Hull – look for cracks & distortions. Clean the outside of your boat using an environmentally-safe cleaner.

FuelCheck your fuel lines for damage. Signs of damaged hoses can be either cracking, hard hoses or very soft hoses. Remember to check fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.
Insure clamps and fitting are secured.
Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are also all functioning properly.

Fluid Levels
Check all fluid levels including
Engine oil- Change the oil if this was not done during winterizing. Include a new oil filter & change drive lubricants
Coolant
Power trim reservoir
Power Steering Fluid

Safety GearLifejackets need to be in good condition It’s important for passengers to have access to the correct size lifejacket for their body weight.
Onboard fire extinguishers must be the correct class for your boat, fully charged.

TrailerInspect trailer wheels, verify that tires are inflated to proper level.
Check that trailer straps are not worn and are holding properly.
Verify that your trailer is the proper size for your boat.

Go here for a more extensive boat maintenance checklist.

- See more at: http://www.boatengine.com/checklist-for-boat-maintenance/#sthash.PbaGl0n8.dpuf

Tune up your outboard motor

The sun is finally shining and the promise of warmer temperatures is here. 
Tuning up that outboard motor this spring may be the right weekend project for
you.  US Boatworks has all the boat
parts need to tune up your motor.  Our top sellers are the Evinrude
Carb Kits - item #396701 to 439076.  If these aren't the part numbers you
need, we carry all Carburetor Kits for Mercury and Evinrude Outboard motors. 

Once you have your Carb Kit in hand, you will need some gear lube too. 
We stock an recommend genuine
Evinrude and Mercury
lube.  Other brands are inferior and will only cause you
trouble down the road.  It's worth the extra few bucks now to us genuine
manufacturer oil and save your motor from damage.  Popular part #s are
778749 HPF XR and0778755 HPF PRO.  These items are always in stock so feel
free to come by and stock up. 

Don't forget, if you are missing your motor manual, we have
Clymer boat motor
manuals for every outboard motor imaginable.  These manuals will assist
you in your repair and maintenance efforts. 

Check back soon for more tips on tuning up your outboard motor.