How do you know when it’s time to take your boat in for boat repair?

Being a boat owner comes with a lot of perks. But it doesn’t mean that you get to spend all of your time sailing the open sea with the wind in your hair, no worries at all.

In fact, owning a boat comes with a huge responsibility to other people and yourself, especially when it comes to keeping your boat maintained. When you catch a small issue before it turns into a huge problem, you can save yourself the time, money, and headache that comes with being stranded out in the water when your boat breaks down.

Don’t let that happen to you! Keep reading to learn the top 11 things you need to watch out for when operating your boat.

 

1. If You Have Issue Steering

One of the first signs of trouble is when you have an issue steering. Whether you’re experiencing more resistance than you’re used to, or your wheel just won’t turn, if you notice a change in how your boat steers, then you need to pay attention.

In some cases, the fix is as simple as adding more hydraulic fluid. If you add more hydraulic fluid and the problem persists, it could be a sign that you have a leak in the hydraulic fuel lines.

When you run into the issue of your boat not steering at all, there are a few problems that could be knocking at your door. Maybe your boat has experienced a mechanical failure, or maybe there isn’t enough grease on the motor. There could also be corrosion on the steering cables, or grease entering the support tubes.

No matter what the reason, when your boat starts to have issues steering, you need to get it looked at by an experienced boat mechanic.

 

2. If Your Engine Is Overheating

In a typical vehicle, the motor uses a radiator to cool down the engine. But boats can actually use the water around it in a cooling loop to keep the temperature down.

When the cooling loop fails, your engine’s temperature will start to rise. Eventually, the engine will overheat.

This can be caused by something simple, like debris blocking the loop. But it can also mean that you have a broken drive belt, a hose break, a clamp loose, corrosion, clogging, a broken impeller, or even a worn-out engine entirely.

If your boat’s engine is overheating, don’t delay in getting it looked at by a boat repair specialist. If you let the problem persist, you could end up with a dangerous (or even deadly) boat fire.

 

3. Sputtering or a Complete Loss of Power

There’s nothing better than the thrill of pushing your boat to full throttle and feeling your speed increase while the wind and water whip your face. Alternatively, when you try to speed up your boat and don’t get any power (or your power sputters), there’s nothing more disappointing.

The first suspect to consider when your boat’s power starts to fade in or out is gas. Running out of gas happens even to the most experienced sailors. But if your gas gauge reads full and your boat is still sputtering or losing power, you may need a boat repair ASAP.

You may need to replace or clean your filters, change your spark plugs, or have some sort of complicated electrical issue. Either way, when your boat starts to sputter, you need to get it in to see a boat repair specialist as soon as possible.

 

4. If Your Boat Won’t Start

If you’re excited to spend a day out on the water, but your boat doesn’t turn over when you turn the key, your day is off to a bad start.

There are a few things you can try on your own if your boat doesn’t start. Maybe you didn’t disengage the safety features, or maybe you’re not following the right starting sequence.

If your boat still isn’t starting, make sure you have enough fuel. Check the battery and make sure the engine is primed properly. If it’s still not working, you’re going to have to call someone for boat repair.

Any issue more serious than the ones we’ve listed will probably take a decent chunk of time to repair and will likely call for a mechanic.

 

5. There Are Leaks in the Boat

All boats take on water — that’s what the bilge pump is for. But if you notice that the water levels are rising, that’s a sign your boat will need a repair.

One of the biggest fears when it comes to a boat taking on water is that there is a hole or crack somewhere in the hull. This is usually caused by damage from rocks or other debris underwater.

This is not something you should wait and see if the problem irons itself out. You could be causing major damage to your engine if you don’t get it fixed promptly. Depending on how intense the leak is, you could sink your boat.

As soon as you notice that your boat is taking on more water than normal, give a boat repair service a call.

 

6. Intense Vibration While Running

It’s normal to feel a little vibration when your boat is running. After all, there is a lot of machinery at work under the hood! But if you notice that the vibration gets significantly more intense as you speed up, there could be a problem.

This signifies an issue with your propeller. When your propeller’s blades become damaged, your boat will have issues with its balance, and that will cause vibrations.

Usually, this means that something like a fishing line, rope, or other debris is tangled in your propeller. Additionally, if your propeller has struck something that has dented or otherwise deformed the metal, it’ll cause your boat to shake.

Unfortunately, damage to your propeller isn’t usually something you can see unless your boat is out of the water before you hop in and try to take it for a ride. In order to properly fix it, you’ll have to take it to a mechanic.

Failure to fix a faulty propeller can cause permanent damage to your boat.

 

7. You Have Faulty Electrical Connections

Because your boat spends most of its time on the water, there’s a good chance that your electrical components are going to come in contact with water at some point. Over time, these connections can corrode, causing your electrical connections to misfire or not work altogether.

This can cause anything electrical in your boat to stop working, like your music or HVAC system or other important safety features.

What if you notice that your boat’s electricity seems to flicker or fluctuate when you’re using it? That could be a sign that you need to have a look at the electrical connections to ensure they aren’t dangerously corroded.

 

8. Your Drive Belt Is Broken

When your drive belt breaks, there’s usually no loud noise or obvious problem right away. But soon, you’ll notice that your engine is overheating, and your voltage meter will show that the alternator isn’t charging.

Without a drive belt that works, your alternator and water pump won’t work either.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to carry a spare drive belt and the proper tools to change it on the boat. But regular inspection, tightening, and dressing can help prevent unexpected breakage when you need your boat to perform the most.

Make sure there is no corrosion on the pulleys’ contact surfaces. This can cause rough spots that will ruin a brand new drive belt.

 

9. Your Boat Has an Odd Smell

It’s natural for a boat that spends most of its time in the water to smell a little funky from time to time. But if you notice that the interior of your boat smells heavily of mould or mildew, that could be a sign that there’s leakage where you aren’t aware of.

A smelly boat could be a sign of a faulty bilge pump or a permeated sanitation hose (which you definitely don’t want to deal with!)

Of course, the first thing you should do if you think your boat stinks is give it a thorough washdown. But if that doesn’t take the stench away, you might need to have a professional look at your pumps and holding tanks.

 

10. Your Boat Has a List

If you notice that your boat has a list or that it leans in one direction or the other on the water, it could be a sign that the boat is taking on water that you can’t see.

If your boat lists every time you put it in the water, the foam in your hull could be taking on water. This is bad news, as it could mean capsizing for you if you take your boat out on the water.

Always check to make sure that your boat is sitting evenly in the water before you take it out on a long voyage.

 

11. Your Rubrail is Bent or Twisted

A bent or twisted rubrail is a sign that your boat has taken some kind of collision damage.

While it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to rush out to get your boat repaired by a specialist, it does mean that you should take a look at the rest of your boat before you commit to a long journey. In some cases, the rubrail is something that you can even fix yourself!

 

How to Maintain Your Boat

You can work wonders on your boat by following a few easy maintenance rules. Make sure you keep everything clean and well-lubricated. If you have a fibreglass boat, wash and wax the gel coat regularly, so it doesn’t oxidize.

Clean your upholstery and canvas so it doesn’t retain excess moisture and start to mould. Check your bilge as well, as a dirty bilge can mean that you could have fuel leaking that is clogging the pumps.

If you’re boating in saltwater, flush your engine afterward and make sure you follow your manufacturer’s instructions. Always do a visual inspection after a day on the water to make sure that everything looks good before you pack it up and head home.

 

When to Bring Your Boat in for Maintenance

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to let the professionals handle more serious boat repairs, including trailer maintenance. Especially if the issue is electrical, unless you’ve got the proper training and equipment, you could be setting yourself up for failure if you try to do it yourself.

The good news is that most dealerships that sell boats also service them. If you’re in an area where boating is popular, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a shop to service your boat.

Also, at a certain point, you may have to make a choice between whether to repair or replace a boat. What better place to make that decision than at a dealership?

 

Do You Need Boat Repair?

If you suspect that you need boat repair done on your vessel, don’t wait to get it done. The last thing you want is to find yourself out on the water stranded because of something that should have been taken care of on land.

Keep a good working knowledge of how to maintain your boat, be a responsible boater, and you should have fun out on the water for years to come!

If you’re looking for somewhere to repair your boat, or you’re interested in getting yourself out on the water, contact us today.