While nobody says that you can't take your boat out during the cold season, the fact is that the cold weather makes for a less than enjoyable experience. However, if you love everything about your boat, just because you can't take it out on the water doesn't mean that you can't spend time with it.

Spend Time with Your Boat off the Water with Some Boat Maintenance Tips

To make the most of your boat's time off, and to keep it in good shape and ready to perform as soon as the sun comes out, Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer has some upkeep tips to share.

Give It a Clean

Get a bucket, some water, boat cleaning fluid, a sponge, and some elbow grease. Make sure that you give your boat a thorough wash down, paying attention to small spaces that might otherwise go missed. Even the smallest amount of debris or buildup can accumulate and cause damage to the body of your vessel. Not only is this a safety concern, but a very preventable repair bill.

Electronics

With the current level of cell phones, it can be easy to take your boat's electronics for granted. However, as advanced as they are, they still operate with wires and cords. Take a tour of your boat and look out for any frayed wiring or instances where the salt water air has caused corrosion. If you see any damage, fix it before your next outing, both for your own safety and navigation.

Fluids

It doesn't matter if you're driving a four-stroke two person boat or a large cruising craft, it uses an engine, and an engine means fluid levels. Depending on how complex your engine is, your owner's manual is a good place to find which fluids your boat will need. The most likely fluid will be your general engine lubricant, also known as motor oil. This is essentially the lifeblood of any operating engine, so pay attention to it, and all other levels. If it's time to replace any of your engine lubricants, speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004 and ask about the range of marine focused engine oils available. Stocking a wide range of high-quality AMSOIL products, Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer will make sure you get the right engine oil for your vessel.

Propellors

Given how strong they look, it can be easy to think that small cuts or bends don't matter. The truth is that even small marks on your propellor can affect the performance of your ride. If you see any damage, or any loose bearings or fittings, tend to them before you take your boat out. Even the slightest bit of movement in your propeller can cause a reduction in your thrust and handling.

Safety Gear

Boat safety is important to all owners, and keeping your boat safe can be broken down into two parts The first is your on-board safety features, which include:

• Non-slip grip for stairs
• Life-jackets
• Emergency lighting
• Smoke and fume detectors
• Emergency beacon
• Guard and hand rails
• Fire extinguisher

Check each of these, in addition to any safety features your own boat includes, and make sure each item is performing its job. Simple things such as torn or missing pieces of non-slip tape can result in serious injury when you're out on the water. The second is to maintain and restock your emergency  box, which should include items such as:

• Battery-powered radios
• Signal flares
• Illuminated Beacons
• First-aid kit
• Off-line guidance devices

Similarly, if you have additional items in your emergency box, check each is still working and will work when needed. In addition to this, consider creating a small information sheet which you can show to passengers before they get on your boat. This sheet could include information on where your emergency box is and how to use the items inside, along with instructions on how to call for help and what to do in the event of a fire.

Use the Time for a Synthetic Oil Change in Oatfield

This is a great list to get you started on general boat maintenance and can help to keep your boat in good shape out of the water, ready to get in. If, when maintaining your boat, you see that your fluid levels are low or the fluid is due to be replaced, it's important that you use the right product and not something made for your car. Speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004 and ask about which marine focused engine lubricant is best suited to your vessel.