AVOID COSTLY EXPENSES BY FOLLOWING THESE BOAT STORAGE MAINTENANCE TIPS
Prevention is key in keeping your boat running smoothly. What better time than the Fall Season to start preparing your boat for Springs busy boating season. Proper storage along with attending those hidden service issues will prevent costly repairs. The following services will maintain your boat at a service level:
- Gas tanks with ethanol gas should be emptied. Non-Ethanol gas is recommended.
- Fuel stabilizer recommended by the engine manufacturer should be mixed with the fuel.
- The engine fuel system should be drained (refer to the engine owner’s manual / website or call a marine mechanic).
- The engine and lower unit oil should be replaced.
- The engine cooling system should be flushed with fresh water.
- Any salt built-up and / or rust on the engine should be removed. A very good product that removes rust is called Corrosion X.
- All seals, hoses, cables, and engine should be sprayed with a lubricant (CRC Multipurpose).
- Corrosion inhibitor is good for bolts below or near the water line.
- Batteries should be tested and maintained at 100 %.
- Bilge pumps and the auto switch need to be tested and cleaned.
Boats filled with Ethanol Gas must be aware of the negative effect of improper storing can have on the fuel system. Ethanol gas can become saturated, when it sits for a long period of time. The ethanol separates from the gasoline forming two separate solutions. This is called phase separation and its bad news! Ethanol can damage hoses, filters, gas tanks and loose particles can travel clogging passages. Even though, non-ethanol gas is more expensive and less accessible; using non ethanol gas reduces the chance of your boats fuel system from becoming saturated during storage. Non-ethanol gas can be found in many marinas.
The above pictures are a complete fuel system disassembling including removal of fuel from the gas tank. This boat had water intrusion in the fuel system from improper storage. The gas used was from the local gas station, which contains ethanol. Jobs of this type can be prevented by following proper storage techniques.
If you have any questions, then contact us at www.jaoutboardservice.com or call us at 786-251-4002.
Happy Boating,
Jorge Alberto
JA Outboard Service