Boat Maintenance Checklist

Spring is officially here & it’s time to think about dusting that boat off and getting it in top running shape.  The warm weather will be here soon & you want to be ready so you don’t miss a minute out on the water.  Here are some tips on things to check before taking your boat out for the first time this season.  Please be aware, this boat maintenance tips checklist does not represent everything you should check on your boat but merely give suggestions of where you should start.  Please consult a certified marine repair mechanic prior to working on your boat motor also be sure to consult your owner’s manual for maintenance instructions specific to your boat model.

CHECKLIST:

Belts, Cables & Hoses

1. Always check for cracking that occurred during winter storage.
2. 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.
3. Control cables with cracks or swelling on the outer layer may indicate need to replace.  Contact your boat repair center or order cables online to replace yourself.

Electrical Connections

1. 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.
2. Charge 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.

Fluid Levels
Check all fluid levels including

1. Engine oil- Change the oil if this was not done during winterizing.  Include a new oil filter & change drive lubricants
2. Coolant
3. Power trim reservoir
4. Power Steering Fluid

Propellers & Hulls

1. Inspect 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.
2.  Inspect the Hull – look for cracks & distortions. Clean the outside of your boat using an environmentally-safe cleaner.

Fuel

1. Check 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.
2. Insure clamps and fitting are secured.
3. Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are also all functioning properly.

Safety Gear

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

Trailer

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

For an even more extensive boat inspection checklist, visit www.boatengine.com/boat-maintence-tips/

Open Saturdays 9-Noon

Its going to be unseasonably warm this weekend. It feels like spring is in the air as our phones are ringing off the hook and customers are lining up to get their boats ready for the season.  Since our customers need us, we will be open on Saturdays beginning February 27.  Normally we wait for the 1st weekend in March to open our doors on Saturdays but we strive to meet the needs of our customers.  So, please come down and see us tomorrow from 9am – Noon.

Bring your boat in for that repair you have been putting off.  Your turn around time in late February is much shorter than what it would be should you bring your boat down in May.  Eliminate the stress of having your boat at the shop when the warm temperatures hit.  It will be lake weather before you know it and you won’t have to disappoint your family by not having your boat ready this season.  Plus you’ll feel good knowing you had your repairs and maintenance done at Kansas City’s #1 boat repair shop.

While you are at the shop, ask about our Mercury Outboards for sale.  New specials and rebates just started and they won’t be around long.  US Boatworks pricing on outboard motors usually beats the big guys plus we offer unsurpassed service and knowledge that you won’t find elsewhere.  Once you give us a try, you will understand why US Boatworks is a trusted place to buy Kansas City outboard motors.

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.

St. Patrick's Day

We are open on St. Patrick's Day

US Boatworks is open on St.
Patrick's day from 9 am - 5 pm. Come on by and see us. Check
out our new 2011 Mercury motors. I just posted the new motors on
our web site so if you can't get down here to see them, you can view out

2011 Mercury Outboard Motors here. If you do visit us, consider
tuning up your boat for the season now. Don't wait till the rush
hits. You will have quicker turn around if you bring your boat for
service in March or early April. Also remember, if you are a do it
yourselfer, we have all the
parts, lube and
genuine marine oil that you need to get your boat in tip top running
service.

I will post more on spring
tune ups in the next week.