Owning a boat requires proper understanding of its ins & outs. Here are top boat maintenance tips to get the best performance on waters.

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A boat is not like a car, it takes consistent care to keep it operating correctly. Here are 10 maintenance tips when caring for your boat.

Sure, you winterized your boat. You also have an annual servicing and cleaning routine in the spring to de-winterize your boat. After that, you may assume that everything will be fine—that is, until something breaks, tears, blows or just stops working entirely. The frequency of your boat care routine all depends on your boat and how you use it. Older boats need more time and attention, as do boats used for frequent trips or speedy, adrenaline-pumping excursions. No matter your boat and how you treat it, you definitely want to follow these basic tips for boat maintenance throughout the boating season to prevent incidents on the water later. You might even want to go through this list a time or two in the off-season, especially if you're leaving it in the water. These tips hold true for pontoons, deck boats and runabouts alike, but keep the particular needs of your boat in mind. You know your boat better than I do. Featured Product Better Boat Soap Check Price on Amazon - Better Boat's boat soap keeps your boat clean from bow to stern. It removes dirt, grease and grime from above and below the deck. It's 100% biodegradable, won't harm the marine environment and rinses away for a residue-free finish. 1. Keep a close eye on the engine I've seen plenty of boaters break down due to engine failure, only to be towed back to the marina. Sometimes it could've prevented beforehand, sometimes not. Regardless, routine engine inspection - be it outboard, sterndrive or inboard - is vital to trouble-free cruising. Confused where to start? Always begin with the basic boat maintenance tasks. First, check the oil. Low oil levels or no oil at all mean problems sooner rather than later. Give it a top-up whenever it's looking low to keep your engine running stronger and for longer. You'll want to do the full oil change at least once every 50-100 running hours. Always refer to your manual for what type of oil to use and how frequently to change it. Many outboards nowadays are built to allow quick and easy oil checks. Once this is done, and with the engine's cowling already off, it never hurts to: Check for fuel or oil leaks. If something looks suspicious, contact your local boat repair shop or the engine manufacturer for recommendations. Lubricate all moving parts with an anti-corrosive. Inspect all lines and hoses for wear. Check clamps and fuel lines for corrosion. Additionally, your outboard should be well-secured to the transom. Constant use during the season can potentially loosen hardware and misalign the outboard. Check that all bolts are secure. Tighten things up as needed. Featured Product Better Boat Motor Muffs 2. Flush the engine after each outing Yes, we're still stuck on the engine business. That's because this is perhaps the most important part of your boat to look after. Whether you run in salt or freshwater, flushing your engine with fresh water and an outboard flush kit should be done after every outing. Flushing the engine means preventing the salt crystals and deposits from damaging internal components (in saltwater applications) and getting rid of muck, sand or other crud (after running in freshwater). Most modern outboards feature built-in freshwater flushing systems and the process is very simple. Just be sure to consult with your operating manual for the proper procedure. Featured Product Better Boat De-Salt Concentrate If you don't have a flushing system on your outboard, it's time to get old school with motor flushers like those offered by Shoreline Marine (see right, click here to check price on Amazon) or Attwood (check price on Amazon).These are usually referred to as earmuffs. Attach the system to a garden hose, cover the water intake with the earmuffs and turn on the water. Before turning the outboard over, be sure there's enough flowing water for it to run. Let it run for at least five minutes to ensure sufficient flushing. Featured Product Better Boat Soap & Flush Kit 3. Honor thy prop Without your prop, your boat isn't going anywhere. A testament to this is a situation I found myself in while fishing a few years ago. After a morning of being successful, I decided to call it a day. I pulled the anchor, started the engine and pushed the throttle. Nothing happened. All I heard was a high-pitched whizzing sound. Confused, I turned the engine off, lifted the leg and was shocked to see there was no prop on the drive. Instead, looking further down, it was 15 feet below the water's surface, directly off the stern. I then dropped anchor and went for a swim to get it. After my morning dip, I got the attention of a nearby angler, who happily towed me into the marina. So, take this boat maintenance tip from me: ensure the prop nut and cotter pin are secured to the manufacturer's specifications before any outing. I was lucky that I was in shallower water. Otherwise, it would have been a very costly mistake. Other prop maintenance includes: Checking for dings, nicks or bent blades. A bent blade or even a ding can hinder your performance. Remember, hitting rocks, the bottom or other hard objects can damage the prop shaft or other internal components. Inspecting the prop shaft and hub for fishing lines or debris (this is also a good time to ensure the water intake is clean). Make sure the prop shaft is properly greased. There are many greasing solutions on the market such as Mercury Marine Quicksilver 2-4-C Marine Grease (check price on Amazon). However, the key is to keep the shaft lubed so the prop doesn't corrode onto the shaft. Featured Product Better Boat Anchor Kit 4. Dedicate one area to

Boat maintenance is a necessity for all boat owners, whether you opt to perform at-home care or decide to take your boat in for professional servicing. See our boat maintenance checklist for motor repairs, winterization, spring commissioning and more.

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