Use your boat
Above all, the best thing you can do to help with the reliability of your engines and systems is to actually use your boat, the more often the better. If you can’t get out, go to your boat on a regular basis, run the engines, preferably in gear (at low revs) until they reach operating temperatures. Also run through all your auxiliary systems, checking to see if they actually work.
Get to know your boat and its equipment
Check your engine and drive fluids prior to any trips, including battery electrolyte. A good tool to have on board is a hydrometer, with this you can test your battery acid specific gravity, giving you a good insight into the health of your battery. Over time you will be able to see a pattern, especially if you keep records. Trickle chargers, solar panels or quality battery chargers are a necessity and don’t waste your money on cheap chargers or batteries, you will regret it.
Regular servicing
This is paramount to enjoyable boating. In the main, once per year or every 100 hours(which ever comes first) is sufficient, use the 100 hours if you are an above average user. From our experience, poor or irregular servicing will cost someone in the end, either you or the next person who owns the boat. The environment that your engines and drive systems are working in is extremely harsh, you cannot compare this to your car.
Volunteer rescue organisations
For peace of mind, join your local volunteer rescue organization. The Australian Volunteer Coastguard offers excellent assistance and the annual membership fee is a lot less than the average cost of a rescue.
Engine maintenance tips provided by our on-site maintenance specialists:
Manly Harbour Marine Engineering
East Coast Marina
570 Royal Esplanade, Manly, QLD, 4179
You can book a service or talk directly to Lee Kenyon and his team by calling 07 3893 2199.