Getting OC boat insurance isn’t the only way to keep your sailing vessel in ship shape. Like any other vehicle, boats need regular maintenance to run well. As a boat owner, it’s your responsibility to make repairs, replace worn parts and address the natural damage water and salt cause. With the right approach, you can keep your vessel in top condition for longer.

How Often Should You Do Maintenance on a Boat?

Various tasks have their own timelines. For example, you should wash the deck and hull every time you hit the water. In contrast, you only need to touch up the paint every 100 hours or so. To keep track of the many maintenance items necessary to keep your boat afloat, make a checklist with tasks broken down into the following sections:

• Every 100 hours
• Every 50 hours
• Every 20 hours
• Every use

Do Boats Require a Lot of Maintenance?

Boats require a lot of maintenance because they have many moving parts and face a great deal of elemental exposure. However, this maintenance is comparable to a land vehicle, so if you own a car, you’re already familiar with the amount of care required to keep a boat running. The biggest obstacle new owners usually face is understanding all the necessary tasks, as they’re very different from caring for a truck or ATV. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you track repairs, replacements and cleaning.

What Are the Most Common Maintenance Items?

Like with a car, some maintenance items are more important than others. For example, you can delay swabbing the deck, but you can’t go sailing with a crack in your hull. Ideally, you should take care of every item on your maintenance checklist, but prioritizing vital tasks is a good idea. The following are the most common maintenance items that can cause bigger problems if ignored:

• Repairing hull cracks and blisters
• Cleaning and inspecting electrical lines
• Changing the oil

Does Maintenance Make an Impact on Your Boating Experience?

Yes, regular maintenance can significantly impact your boating experience, especially if you take long trips. If something goes wrong with the engine, you could get stranded on the water, a dangerous situation that can impact loved ones as well as yourself. Even if you only boat on a small lake, you risk unsafe conditions. Nothing ruins a good time like having to get rescued from your sinking ship.

Additionally, lack of maintenance can make a difference when searching for OC boat insurance. A vessel in good shape poses less risk to insurers, so you’re more likely to get an affordable premium. If your boat has obvious problems, insurance companies may charge you more or refuse to cover it at all. Keeping up with your boat’s maintenance saves you money in the long run and can even keep you from losing your vessel altogether.

About Mariners Insurance

Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.