It's prime boating season in Utah and with 100-degree days in the valley, one of the best ways to cool off is to find a way to get on one of Utah's beautiful lakes. But even if you own a boat it can be a challenge to have it ready to go when you want and need it.
Unlike road vehicles, most boats only get used a few times each year. That means it is critical to properly maintain them. Unfortunately the wait time to get a boat serviced can stretch into weeks or even months. And if your boat has survived a couple decades, you might find it nearly impossible to find someone willing to work on it.
Ben Brownie and Troy Rigby, owners of Odin Motorworks in Orem, have years of experience helping Utah watercraft owners. Whether you own a ski boat, a fishing boat or just a family fun boat, here are some tips that can help you make sure your water adventure goes off without a hitch.
Start with a tune up
Whether your boat has an outboard engine or inboard, it's a good idea to have a tune-up before you haul it to a lake for the first outing each year.
"Most boat owners have had the experience of arriving at their recreation destination only to find that their boat isn't running properly — or maybe isn't even running at all," Brownie said. "You can avoid that by taking it to a qualified marine shop ahead of time."
Mind the batteries
A battery can lose as much as 5% of its charge per month, so it's important that a battery that sits idle for any amount of time (like over the winter months) is periodically charged to bring it up to full capacity, explains BoatUS.
Before you head to the water, make certain to check the condition of your battery with a charger or meter. Also make sure the terminals aren't corroded and that all of the terminal connections are clean and tight.
Make her pretty
Utah's hot, bright sun is bad news for the beautiful, shiny finishes of fiberglass boats and for the upholstery and flooring of any boat. If your boat is heavily oxidized from sun exposure and neglect, all is not lost.
"With the right know-how, equipment and effort, even boats with years of oxidation can be made to look remarkably better," Rigby said. "And it isn't just about appearance. It's also about protecting the hull of your boat against additional damage."
Like a car, owning a boat is a significant financial investment. It only makes sense to do the maintenance necessary to protect its value.
Besides taking care of the exterior, you also need to look after the interior of a boat. In addition to keeping the inside seats and floor clean, it also needs protection from Utah's harsh sun. If you don't have a covered storage space for your boat, use a removable cover. And prior to winter, consider getting your boat shrink wrapped to protect it from weather damage.
Check the accessories
Whether you use your boat to wakeboard, ski, fish or some combination of everything, you likely have lots of equipment to make those activities possible. While double-checking the condition of your boat and engine, you should also make sure those things are ready before your first trip of the season.
No one wants to wear a lifejacket that is musty or moldy. And you don't want to hook a big fish only to learn that you should have respooled the reel with new line when you watch him break off.
Don't overlook the trailer
Nothing takes the luster off that first trip of the year like bad wheel bearings or a tire that fails from sun damage.
Discover Boating reports that boat owners can avoid most common trailer problems with some basic maintenance. Some of the things they recommend include:
- Check your tire pressure.
- Make sure you have a good spare tire.
- Periodically check your tires for wear and age.
- Use wheel bearing protectors.
- Keep your trailer brakes clean.
- Have your brake pads or shoes inspected every few seasons.
- Check the brake fluid reservoir in the master cylinder.
- Lubricate your trailer's coupler.
- Check all of your trailer lights every time you hook up the trailer.
- Keep the trailer light connection on your tow vehicle covered when not towing to prevent corrosion.
Brownie also says you should check your trailer bunks before each season to make sure they are in good condition.
Whatever your marine service needs, Odin Motorworks is ready to help your boating season be successful. They have a perfect 5.0 rating on Google and are available for everything from minor maintenance to complete restorations.
You can call them at (801) 358-5002 or (801) 897-3994.
