Owning a boat can be an expensive hobby. If you use a boat for work, poor maintenance can result in unnecessary repairs and cost. A poorly maintained boat will also impact its value.
Whether you own a rib, yacht, motor, or sailboat, ongoing regular maintenance is imperative.
Boat maintenance requires keeping a constant eye on anything that may require your attention, including:
- Engines
- Systems
- Fittings
- Ropes
- Sails
- Windows
- Screens
- Hatch covers
- Hatch liners
Today’s article covers a range of tips on how to look after your boat.
Related reading
If you are a boat owner looking for more useful tips covering a range of topics here are a few articles we have recently published:
Marine & Boat Plastics – Your Questions Answered
The Benefits of Custom Boat Windscreens
The Benefits of Bespoke Motor Yacht Screens
Top tips on how to look after your boat
In this article we focus on
- Boat screen and windshield maintenance
- Boat window maintenance
- Cleaning boat covers
- Diesel boat engine maintenance
- Fibreglass boat maintenance
- Looking after your safety kit
Boat screen and windshield maintenance – how do you clean a boat screen?
Here are some quickfire tips on how to clean your boat screen:
- You should use a clean cloth, fresh water and simply give it a good wipe, often
- To remove tough stains and blemishes, use mild soap
- Note: Never use detergents, spray, or glass cleaners and they can damage the screen
Boat window maintenance – how do you clean a boat window?
Looking for tips on cleaning your boat windows? Here are a few:
- Start by rinsing your boat windows with water and a clean cloth to remove any dirt and smudges
- Avoid using any abrasive soaps or cleaners
- Simply use a traditional mix of soap and water to get the job done
Related reading: Replacement Boat Windows and Screens: Acrylic Vs Glass
Boat covers – how do you clean a boat cover?
Cleaning your boat cover is easy. Here are some handy tips on how to do a good job:
- Remove the boat cover and give it a good brush off to remove any dirt and debris
- Use a pressure washer to give the boat cover a good rinse
- Get a bucket and make up a cleaning solution of warm water, white vinegar, bleach and washing up liquid
- Test an area to ensure your boat cover doesn’t become discoloured
- Clean it with the solution, and leave it to dry
Diesel boat engine maintenance
Diesel inboard engines need servicing annually. This includes changing:
- Oil
- Oil filters
- Fuel filters
Our recommendation is to carry out this work before the winter lay-up.
More regular checks include:
- Checking wiring and pipework
- Drive belt tension and condition
- Checking sump oil level and coolant level
Fibreglass boat maintenance
To maintain your fibreglass boat effectively, polishing it at regular intervals will help to keep it looking like new.
This is especially important to limit colours fading.
Certain areas can be cleaned by hand.
Larger areas on badly faded topsides are best cleaned using an electric polisher.
Looking after your safety kit
Your safety kit can be a lifeline in the event of an incident happening whilst out on the water.
Here are just some of the items you need to ensure your safety kit is well maintained and in working order:
- Lifejackets
- Buoys
- Sound signal equipment
- Fire extinguishers
- Marine comms equipment
- Navigation lights
- First aid kit
- Kill chord
- Compass
Looking for an experienced team of marine plastics professionals?
Hampshire Plastics has been helping boat owners across the UK for decades. We specialise in:
- New and replacement boat windows, screens and windshields
- Perspex®, acrylic and polycarbonate curved boat screens
- Boat hatch covers and liners
- Washboards for yachts, motorboats and sailboats
- Battery boxes
- Tanks
If you know what you need speak with our consultants at Hampshire Plastics today by calling us on 023 9248 6633 or sending us an email to sales@hspplastics.co.uk.
