Used Boat Maintenance Tips

Buying a used boat is a great way to get a quality craft at a decent price. But pre-owned vessels require some extra care and attention when it comes to maintenance. At Dewitt Marine, we’re here to make boat ownership easier. That’s why we’ve created the following guide for maintaining your used boat. If you have any questions or you want to buy a new model, reach out to our team at our Bellaire, Michigan location. We also proudly serve Northern Michigan, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids.

Clean it Up

Regardless of how well the previous owner took care of your used boat, it could probably use a good clean. Washing your craft regularly will help keep it running smoothly. Start this part of maintenance by cleaning the interior and exterior. A good wash and sweep will help you locate any cracks in the gel coat, malfunctioning controls, or mildewed vinyl. You should also be aware of any signs of pest infestation. 

Address Mildew

Mildew is a common maintenance problem among used vessels. If you find that the vinyl on board is spotted with mildew, you’ll need to address it now. You may be tempted to apply a massive amount of bleach, but be careful. Bleach can break down the fabric over time. Use a special marine vinyl cleaning solution with gentle sponges to wipe down the seats.

Inspect the Engine and Battery

You probably inspected your used boat before buying it, but it’s still worth checking on the engine and battery. After all, time will put some wear and tear on these parts. As a part of maintenance, lubricate the spark plug holes, change the oil, replace cracked hoses, fill the tank with fresh fuel, and use a multimeter to check on the battery.

Check the Propeller

One more maintenance check you can perform on your used vessel is an inspection of the propeller. Check for any signs of damage. Small dings and scrapes can happen frequently without you noticing. Although these may seem insignificant, they can affect how the propeller spins. Check for oil buildup and if any algae or fishing line are caught in the propeller.

Keep in mind that there are some maintenance tasks better left to the professionals. If you are ever unsure about a problem with your used boat, feel free to make an appointment with our excellent service department. 

We hope this simple guide will help you keep your used craft in good working order. Do you still have questions? Do you want to check out some vessels for sale? Stop by Dewitt Marine in Bellaire, Michigan today. We are proud to serve Northern Michigan, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids as well. Our dedicated team is here to help you with all of your marine needs!