Year-Round Boat Care Tips

Posted on 15 February, 2021

Owning a boat is your ticket to warm-weather fun. But, it’s also an investment. You need to protect this investment so that you can enjoy it for years to come. Dayville boat insurance covers you if your vessel is involved in an accident or breaks down on the water, but not even the best boat insurance covers the damages caused by owner negligence. Year-round boat care is an essential component for keeping it running smoothly.

Follow these simple year-round boat care tips to keep your craft in good condition.

Spring Cleaning

As the weather warms, it’s time to prep your boat for the water. If your boat has been in storage, you’ll want to remove it and take it to the dock so that you are ready to head out as soon as the temperatures and water conditions allow. Give your boat a thorough physical examination to make sure no cracks or gaps developed from exposure to cold and moisture. Once you know your vessel is structurally sound, you can move on to the following steps:

Make sure the battery is fully charged, and the terminals are corrosion-free.
Check the propellant system and spark plugs to ensure they are in good working order.
Ensure you have all of the safety equipment, electronics, and extra storage containers you need and that they are fully functioning. Return them to their designated places on the boat.
Double-check that your Dayville boat insurance is current and sufficient.

Summer Upkeep

Though many people start taking their boats out on the water in the spring, summer is when things really heat up. It’s important to check electrical, communication, and wiring systems are fully operational before each outing to avoid running into serious issues out on the water. You should also examine your propeller for damages before and after each trip. Even minor chips can lead to significant drive-train problems. Finally, protect the interior and exterior of your boat by washing and waxing regularly.

Autumn Measures

As the boating season begins to wind down, you will want to be prepared for the colder weather. If you are continuing to take your vessel out on the water in the cooler months, make sure you have adequate fuel provisions. Many docks close their fueling stations in the fall. You should also put extra layers of clothing on board in case the weather turns while you’re out.

Winter Preparations

Most boat owners store their vessels for the winter months. It’s important to winterize before the temperatures head too far south. Once your boat is out of the water, flush out your entire engine to clean out any debris that could cause damage while sitting for several months. Add stabilizers and antifreeze where needed to prevent fluids from freezing. You should also remove the battery, charge it and store it. Finally, check the structure for any cracks or gaps and repair if needed.

About Byrnes Agency

At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations. If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read here and would like to know when we’ve published a new blog post, please “like” us on our Facebook page, and share this with your Connecticut neighbors.

Dayville Office

Phone: (860) 774-8549

394 Lake Rd

Dayville, CT 06241

United States

info@byrnesagency.com

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Norwich Office

Phone: (860) 886-5498

6 Consumers Avenue

Norwich, CT 06360