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BOATING: Maintenance reduces risk

NANAIMO – ating enthusiasts recognize the role routine maintenance plays in keeping a boat afloat.

Boating enthusiasts recognize the role routine maintenance plays in keeping a boat afloat.

Such maintenance might sound like a major commitment, but maintenance is actually simple and does not require boat owners to spend as much time working on their boat as they do enjoying it.

Before taking a boat out on the water, it’s best for owners to perform a check to ensure a day at sea doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Fuel – Top off the fuel tank whenever heading out on the water.  It’s also good to top off oil.

Oil – It’s also good to top off oil before heading out on the water and then checking oil levels upon one’s return.

Hull and engine cases – The boat hull and engine cases should be inspected for damage or signs of corrosion before heading out and when returning to the dock.

Propeller

The propeller should show no signs of damage. A damaged propeller can cause a host of problems.

Battery – The battery connections should always be tight and clean before heading out on the water. A loose or dirty connection will make it difficult for the battery to charge, which can leave boaters stranded at sea.

Boat maintenance is an important but not necessarily difficult part of boat ownership.

Boat owners who ensure their boats are properly maintained can greatly reduce their risk of being stranded at sea while increasing their chances of having a great time out on the water.