After your house and perhaps your financial investments, the most valuable thing you own is probably your boat. But that’s ok, because all that fun, fishing, freedom, waterskiing and adventure comes at a cost. But those costs will be a lot higher over the long, medium and even short term if your boat isn’t safe, well-maintained, protected and reliable. Ongoing boat maintenance costs should be manageable, but it’s actually an area that can get out of hand for both boating newcomers and veteran captains alike.

Like what, you may be asking? Well, there’s no need to spend thousands on unnecessary upgrades, over-the-top aesthetics like high-end finishes, and replacing parts before they get anywhere near the end of their usable life. But how do you really know the difference between pointless and endlessly-expensive boat maintenance and the really important stuff?

Answer: Give our exclusive boat maintenance checklist a whirl.

To maximise your boat’s life, ensure a truly safe boating experience, and enhance your enjoyment on the water, make sure you can tick all of these off your boat maintenance checklist:

1. Regular cleaning

How often are you giving your pride and joy a decent hose and scrub? It’s critical to use fresh water and mild soap to prevent saltwater and dirt buildup – and corrosion and deterioration. Slightly less important is the interior, although keeping that in tip-top shape will prevent mould and mildew growth.

2. Engine maintenance

You get your car’s engine and other mechanical and electronic functions regularly checked – so why would it be different with your even more expensive boat? Things leak, come loose, corrode, deteriorate and fail, but you also need to be checking and changing the oil and filters – just like your car. Neglect this area and those repairs will end up a lot more expensive.

3. Propeller/outdrive care

Particular maintenance care must be paid to the propeller and outdrive, watching out, especially for damage, dents and debris and remembering to keep all moving parts well lubricated.

4. Proper boat storage

Are you leaving your boat exposed to the elements when it’s not out at sea? All that rain, hail, UV rays and temperature fluctuations greatly accelerate wear & tear, but even putting it under cover or in a garage can throw up ventilation and moisture issues that can lead to mould.

The very best thing you can do is consider specialised self storage for boats. Your vessel will not only be out of the elements, but in a meticulously controlled environment that’s behind lock and key, under constant security surveillance, and in a place out of your hair on a daily basis but easily accessed for a convenient launch whenever you fancy.

5. Hull inspection

The key to your boat’s structural integrity is the hull – which can crack, blister and get knocked and damaged. So check it often and get a professional check every now and then too, whilst also considering an antifouling paint layer to cut out marine growth like algae.

6. Safety gear inspection

Life at sea is fun – but risky. Your life can therefore be in the hands of your safety gear, like life jackets, fire extinguishers, and navigation/signalling/communication devices and equipment.

Jim will keep your boat maintenance costs down

Did you know Jim’s Self Storage has a dedicated, specialised, alarmed and CCTV-protected boat storage yard just minutes from the boat ramps at Williamstown and Altona? There are allocated boat spaces watched over constantly by the on-site resident manager – who knows an awful lot about safe and secure boat storage and the convenience that boat owners need.

Look after your pride and joy with our exclusive boat maintenance checklist! Here at Jim’s Self Storage, we’re your experts in boat maintenance Melbourne-wide – and there are usually a few dedicated boat spaces available in our Williamstown boat storage yard. Get in touch to find out more.