Barefoot Boating Tips: Preventative Maintenance
Having been a licensed Aircraft Mechanic for over 35 years, I have a good understanding of Preventative Maintenance. In the airline business safety and reliability are two major concerns for obvious reasons. Each aircraft is inspected and checked prior to every flight by the Flight Crew and several levels of checks and inspections are completed by maintenance personal ranging from daily to several thousand hours of flight time. We also would replace parts prior to failure based on historical data. All this is done to prevent mechanical failures and catch small problems that can be quickly and economically rectified before they become major and costly problems. Even with all the inspections and checks parts still fail, you may have firsthand experience having missed a flight due to a mechanical delay.
While I would never advocate this level of inspection for your Boat or PWC there are Preventative Maintenance items that you should perform before each use and items your Marine Mechanic should perform each year and every two to three years. Below is a general list of these items. As always check your Owner’s Manual and Engine Operator’s Manual for the specific maintenance schedule for your vessel.
Before Each Use (This should take about 5 minutes)
1. Check operation of engine blower and bilge pump.
2. Check all the fluid levels (engine oil, power steering fluid, trim fluid, transmission fluid and drive oil) any abnormal consumption may indicate a problem and should be checked by your Marine Mechanic.
3. Visually check the belts, wiring, hoses and cables. Look for any chafing or rubbing.
4. Start the engine and observe the gauges if all indications are normal enjoy your day on the lake.
Each Year
1. Change the engine oil and oil filter. Besides lubricating the engine internal parts the oil also cleans and suspends harmful byproducts from running the engine and should be removed at least every year.
2. Change the drive oil.
3. Replace the fuel filters and water separator.
4. Change the transmission fluid
Every Two to Three Years
1. Inspect the universal joint splines and bellows. Lubricate the U-joint splines
2. Lubricate the gimbal and engine coupler
3. Check spark plugs, wires and distributor cap
4. Check belt tension
5. Disassemble and inspect sea water pump. Replace the impeller.
By performing regular checks and Preventative Maintenance you will have fewer break downs, increase the life of your boat and save money. Don’t let a small problem that can be easily repaired create a major and sometimes catastrophic failure.
While I would never advocate this level of inspection for your Boat or PWC there are Preventative Maintenance items that you should perform before each use and items your Marine Mechanic should perform each year and every two to three years. Below is a general list of these items. As always check your Owner’s Manual and Engine Operator’s Manual for the specific maintenance schedule for your vessel.
Before Each Use (This should take about 5 minutes)
1. Check operation of engine blower and bilge pump.
2. Check all the fluid levels (engine oil, power steering fluid, trim fluid, transmission fluid and drive oil) any abnormal consumption may indicate a problem and should be checked by your Marine Mechanic.
3. Visually check the belts, wiring, hoses and cables. Look for any chafing or rubbing.
4. Start the engine and observe the gauges if all indications are normal enjoy your day on the lake.
Each Year
1. Change the engine oil and oil filter. Besides lubricating the engine internal parts the oil also cleans and suspends harmful byproducts from running the engine and should be removed at least every year.
2. Change the drive oil.
3. Replace the fuel filters and water separator.
4. Change the transmission fluid
Every Two to Three Years
1. Inspect the universal joint splines and bellows. Lubricate the U-joint splines
2. Lubricate the gimbal and engine coupler
3. Check spark plugs, wires and distributor cap
4. Check belt tension
5. Disassemble and inspect sea water pump. Replace the impeller.
By performing regular checks and Preventative Maintenance you will have fewer break downs, increase the life of your boat and save money. Don’t let a small problem that can be easily repaired create a major and sometimes catastrophic failure.
- Barefoot Watersports would be happy to inspect, repair or service any of these items.
- Book a service appointment - 704-896-2121 or [email protected]