Preventative maintenance is critical to keeping a boat of any size running at peak performance.
Preventative maintenance is critical to keeping a boat of any size running at peak performance. This applies not only to the boat’s engine but also to it’s electrical systems, navigation, and other electrical systems. Since so many different components and services work together within your vessel, it is essential to determine a strategic maintenance plan for your boat. Every boat is different, so it will have varying maintenance needs to address some basic systems and services that require maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of preventative maintenance for your boat.
Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Before getting started, developing a maintenance plan is essential, considering the type of water you will be sailing in: freshwater or saltwater.
The conditions your boat will face in freshwater instead of saltwater environments are uniquely different. While freshwater is known to develop blisters on a boat’s hull over time, saltwater can corrode metal much faster than freshwater. Saltwater can also negatively impact the hull due to barnacle and algae build-up. The only way to combat saltwater’s destructive nature is through hypervigilance and creating a regular maintenance plan that accounts for the issues this type of environment brings. Be sure to adapt your boat maintenance plans to the kind of water your craft will primarily be used in.
How Does Preventative Maintenance Help?
With preventative maintenance, you have the power to schedule maintenance before your boat is fully operating. With preventative maintenance, you can also optimize performance, save energy, reduce costs, improve general efficiency, and ensure minimal component failures.
Some accidents or failures are difficult to avoid, and preventive maintenance can prevent the worst.
What Goes into Preventative Maintenance?
While performing preventative maintenance on your entire boat is, of course, important, a few specific systems you should focus on are:
- Breaker panel
- Alarms and monitoring systems
- Circuit breakers and wiring
- Navigation systems
- Batteries and battery management systems
- Any systems exposed to salt water regularly, such as the saltwater open systems.
Performing regular preventative maintenance to your boat’s electrical systems and warning systems is crucial to the efficiency, longevity, and condition of your vessel, its safety, and reliability. At Marine Electric Systems, our team thoroughly analyzes all components of a boat and cites any abnormalities. We replace outdated systems, repair any issues, and ensure everything is in good condition. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Marine Electric Systems, LLC is a Leader In the Maritime Industry
We here at Marine Electric Systems have over 30 years of industry experience. You can trust our team for reliable service and expert craftsmanship in the Maryland, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Baltimore city areas! We’re highly certified and adhere to all ABYC and NMEA regulations. We specialize in top-notch electrical solutions for recreational, commercial, and government boating clients. Anything from electrical refits, to navigation systems, or boating maintenance. To stay up to date on our services, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube. You can also contact us at 410-263-0807.