Preventive Maintenance for PWC's, trailers, trailerable and large boats

PWC's

• Check all fluid levels before leaving the house with your PWC

• Check inside the engine cover for oil leaks and fluid leaks and sniff for gas

• Check in the pump intake for foreign objects such as line, rope, plastic bags, or fish line.

• Check steering assembly for proper function of steering and throttle control.

• Check to be sure required gear is on board, extinguisher, whistle or horn, registration, etc.

• Check that drain plugs are in-place and tight.

• Check trailering straps are secure.

Trailers

• Grease the wheel bearings each time the trailer wheels are immersed in water, especially salt water.

• Inspect the lighting each time before the trailer is taken on to the roadway.

• Inspect the winch cable before each use, check for rust, frayed cable, or line. Replace if needed. At the beginning of the boating season unwind the cable from the winch and check the full length, and the connections.

• Check for frayed trailer wiring at both the lights and at the trailer plug, and also for wires hanging down below the frame.

• At the beginning of the season check to make sure the trailer plate has a valid license tab for the current year.

• Check the inflation pressure in the trailer wheels and the spare tire. Fill if necessary.

• If possible at the end of the boating season, block the trailer so the wheels are off the ground and spin them once a month.

• Have a trained mechanic remove and repack the trailer wheel bearings every three years, more often depending on the frequency of use.

• Check all the bolts and fasteners on the trailer for tightness at the beginning of the season.

• Check the rollers or the bunks on the trailer and replace or readjust if necessary.

• Check brake fluid levels (if equipped).

• Have a trained mechanic perform any tasks that you don't feel confident in handling.

Preventive Maintenance for Trailerable Boats

Most owners manuals for small boats have a detailed maintance check list for the owner. If your boat doesn't have one you can contact the manufacturer and obtain one or check with the manufacturer's web site. There are also aftermarket books available at many dealers, and marine supply stores.

Before each trip:

• Check the fuel level in the fuel tank. Fill on the way to the launch if necessary.
  Caution: do not overfill.

• Sniff for fumes in the bilge area, and look for tank leaks around the fuel tank(s).

• Retighten the tie-down straps and winch cable or strap.

• Make sure the safety chain is attached to the boat.

• Check to make sure all required equipment is onboard and in good working order. If the fire extinguisher is a dry chemical type, remove it, invert it and shake it to loosen the powder inside.

• Check the propeller for any dings or dents. Replace with a spare if necessary.

• Test the blower, checking the hoses and clamps. Hold your hands over the exhaust cowl and see if the exhaust air is coming out.

• Check the battery fluid level and see that the battery is charged and secured to the boat.

• Check all portable tanks to be sure they are securely fastened.

• Be sure all lines (ropes for docking) are in the boat.

• Make sure there are the required number and sizes of PFD's for everyone onboard and secured so they don't blow out on the trip to the launch site.

• Check the navigation lights for proper operation.

• Check any water intakes for grass, bags or debris that may block the water flow to the engine.

• Check to make sure the boat is currently registered and the state sticker and numbers are attached.

• Raise the outboard or outdrive and use a trailering support if equipped.

• If the vessel or PWC was in salt or dirty water, flush it or run it in fresh water per manufacturers specifications.

NOTE

If your boat does not have an owner's checklist you can make one up yourself, with the help of your dealer or marine mechanic, seal it in plastic and carry it for reference.

After each trip

• Wash down the exterior of the boat paying special attention to any cracks, scrapes in the hull or dings in the propeller that need to be fixed.

• Be sure the boat drain plug is out and all water is drained from any spaces in the boat.

• Remove all garbage

• Remove all gear from the interior to a space to dry if necessary.

• Loosen but don't remove the winch cable and the tie-downs. Do not remove the safety chain from the boat to the trailer.

• If you cover your boat, be sure you allow air to circulate under the cover to prevent mold. Leave the doors or hatches ajar to allow air to circulate into enclosed areas.

• Check any engine hoses and thru-hull fittings for cracks or loose clamps.

• Check the engine belts for fraying or loose condition.

• If your boat is equipped with an outboard or outdrive, lower it so the water will drain.

• Store or hang gear and PFD's in a dry warm area at the end of the season or when wet.

Larger vessels.

On larger vessels that are not trailered it's a good idea to have your dealer or marine mechanic walk you through your vessel and show you where all the systems are, and what you can check. Some of these systems are:

• Generator

• Engine

• Fresh water tanks and system

• Electrical

• Cabin heater system

• Transmission and steering system

• Head and waste water containment system

• Propane heater, stove, refrigeration system

• Shore power and 110 volt system

Caution: Many of these systems should be inspected and serviced only by a trained mechanic at regular intervals.

If your vessel has an Aluminum hull or superstructure check carefully for white powder spots that indicate oxidation and corrosion.

Suggestion:

If you are new to boating, or a new boat owner, you should have the dealer or a marine mechanic walk you through the boat and review a preventive maintenance checklist and answer any questions concerning the boat, such as what type of oil, transmission or lower case oil, how to check the fluid levels etc.

Boat Checklist

Many boaters find it beneficial to create a check-list. This insures that all the required equipment is onboard and in proper working order.

Fire Extinguisher
A U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher in proper working order aboard and stowed properly.

Steering Control
Working properly.

Fuel/Oil Levels
OK

Engine Compartment
Ventilated. Left open for a few minutes prior to starting the engine to clear fumes.

No Leaks
Check fuel lines, fuel tank, oil tank and exhaust systems.

Hose Connections
Tight and secure.

Battery
Properly charged with acceptable fluid levels.

Owner's Manual
On board in a waterproof container.