subject: How Boat Care Can Keep Your Pride And Joy In Good Condition [print this page] The boat has a history which goes back a long way right up to Biblical times and 'Noah's ark' is the prime example of a boat that was built by Noah to steer his family as well as animals to safety from the raging floods. Since then the boat has undergone many structural changes with the Gondolas in Venice deserving special mention in the manner they have made transportation by water so convenient and romantic.
Let us understand some basics about the boat.
Structurally, the boat consists of hulls, a propulsion mechanism, sails and a water jet. The front portion is referred to as the bow and the rear, the stern. The right portion of the boat is the starboard and the left, the port. The toilet in the boat is the 'heads'. If there is a compartment for housing within the boat, it is called as the houseboat and boats with flat bottoms are referred to as pontoon boats or party boats. There are boats that are also used mainly for recreational purposes only.
Irrespective of the type of boats, the need for adequate and proper boat care cannot be over emphasised if you have to keep your pride and joy in top condition. It does require time and dedication but having got one, it is your duty to ensure it is well maintained. The ones mainly used for recreation and water sports are the ones that require more care than the others considering their cost and unless maintained properly, they can give problems during usage. That can be risky as well as an expensive affair.
Some tips are as under:
Flush the engine with good water every time you venture out into salt water.
Clean the underside regularly to prevent any build up of salt.
Clean the boat with soap and water each time after use.
A good cleaner should be used to clean the deck and this should be slip-resistant.
Dry the boat thoroughly after the wash.
Keep the boat covered with a cover always to keep it protected from harsh weather elements. Custom boat covers are available.
Use the process of waxing the boat once in six months to remove any stains and damage caused by UV rays.
While these measures would take care of the external parts, the internal electrical system also needs proper maintenance and is a very important element of boat care. This is due to the fact that sea water being a good conductor of electricity would leave some impact on the electrical wiring over a period of time. It is therefore necessary from the point of safety and trouble free performance that you make use of materials that have been adequately certified for marine use. The wiring, equipment and other appliances have to be of special grade and not of the usual kind. A survey also needs to be conducted by you once in 5 years to take care of any festering problems.
by: Lawrence White
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