When Should I Bring My Boat in for a Service Check Up?

Much like a car, a boat needs regular maintenance to run properly. And perform at its absolute best, for that matter. 

If you’re a new boat owner, there’s a lot to learn before you have fun on the water. There are responsibilities that come with your new purchase. And regardless of your experience, it’s a good idea to have a maintenance checklist to review on a regular basis. The last thing any boater wants is for something to go wrong while they’re out with their crew enjoying lake life!

Fortunately, our team has all the info you need on boat service and maintenance. Follow this guide to keep your boat running smoothly for years to come. For more info on this topic, check out our blog, How Often Should a Boat be Serviced?

1. Annual service

The most crucial  boat maintenance happens in the spring, before you take your boat out for the season. A rule of thumb: this type of service should be conducted roughly every 100 hours. Annual boat service typically includes the following:

• Changing the oil and filter

• Changing the Impeller 

• Changing the gearcase lubricant (for outboard and sterndrive engines)

• Replacing spark plugs

• Changing the fuel filter element

• Checking the power steering and hydraulic trim fluid 

You’ll have to decide whether you can perform these tasks yourself or trust a professional. Talk to our experienced service department to get your boat in shape for the summer.

2. Detail service

Any boater knows that a significant part of owning a boat is cleaning. Washing your boat’s exterior makes it look great on the water, keeps it protected, and helps it perform at its best. Having a dirty hull can actually increase your fuel costs by 30%). 

We recommend cleaning your boat’s exterior before putting it in the water. This helps prevent pollution. These are a few areas to address:

• Wax/polish fiberglass to protect the gel coat finish twice per season 

• Clean canvas with soap and water 

• Wipe down vinyl seating with soap and water

• If your boat has woodwork, clean with a mild cleaning solution designed for teak. Lightly scrub the wood with a brush.

Every boat needs regular cleaning, but your annual cleaning can be time-consuming. Feel free to contact our boat dealer in Texas for detail service, and we’ll have your boat looking brand-new!

3. Boat repair

If you bring your boat in for annual service and keep up with regular maintenance, you’ll prevent problems on the water. But sometimes, things happen that are out of your control. These are a few of the reasons you may need boat service unexpectedly.

• Problems with steering

• Loss of power

• Check engine light turns on

• Sounds or vibrations, indicating rusted parts, misalignment, or other damage

If you notice anything out of the ordinary while operating your boat, it’s important to address the issue immediately. And unless you have mechanical experience, we recommend consulting a professional.

Contact us for service today.

Need boat maintenance or repairs? You can rely on our Texas boat dealer for personal service that goes the extra mile. 

We’re a family-run business dedicated to maintaining relationships with our customers year after year. And we welcome you to visit our service center to see the difference firsthand. Contact us today to schedule service in Gainesville or Fort Worth.