Boat Annual Service
V-Drive, Direct Drive, Sterndrive engine, and Outboard motor
Summer is coming, the sun and warm temperatures are not far away. Before you make your first trip to the lake this year, it’s a good idea to make sure your V-drive, direct drive, sterndrive engine, or outboard motor is in top running shape. Find your local boat shop for pricing on annual services for your specific boat. If you decide to do your own maintenance, please consult a certified marine technician before you do. It’s also a good idea to consult your owner’s manual for boating maintenance guides specific to your boat model.
Laken Water Sports annual boat services include:
Change engine oil & filter
Change transmission fluid
Change v-drive fluid
Change fuel filter(s) if applicable
Inspect packing drip-less
Check prop shaft alignment
Perform computer diagnostics on engine
Inspect batteries & general boat systems
Inspect trailer light operation
Top off remaining fluids
Replace Impeller
Boat Maintenance
Boat maintenance as a whole, is actually quite similar to automobile maintenance. There are basic items that require constant maintenance and a few items that require maintenance at regular intervals. Some of the basic maintenance you can do on your own but for the most part you’ll want to find a marine technician to service your boat.
The most basic maintenance tasks are simply keeping things clean and, where appropriate, well-lubricated. This has a huge impact on a boat. The fiberglass gel coat, for example, will oxidize and turn chalky if you don’t wash and wax it regularly. So a basic boat hull maintenance chore with any fiberglass boat is washing and waxing. Dirt that sits on canvas and upholstery allows mold and mildew to attach and grow, so again, regular cleanings are very important. Also having a dirty bilge means you may not spot leaking fuel or fluids, and can lead to clogged bilge pumps.
The one other maintenance chore that should be done after every trip is making a simple visual inspection of all the boat’s systems. If you spot anything wrong, then you can decide whether to tackle the challenge yourself or take the boat in for repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended maintenance for a boat?
This will vary depending on the specific engine and drive system. It’s always best to check with the manufacturer, and follow their specific recommendations. We recommend an annual service every 100hrs or every year, whichever comes first.
Here is a list of Annual Services we offer here at Laken Water Sports
Twenty Hour Service
Sterndrive Service
Inboard (V-drive/direct drive)
Outboard Service
Sterndrive-Impeller Replacement
Inboard-Impeller Replacement
Outboard-Impeller Replacement
Tune-Up (done with Annual)
Inboard-Prop Repair
Sterndrive - Prop Repair (aluminum)
Sterndrive - Prop Repair (stainless)
Battery Replacement
Boat Pick-up or Drop-off
How much boat damage is due to poor maintenance?
To be blunt, lots of it. Looking at a five-year-old boat that has been cared for versus one that wasn’t washed and maintained you can see an obvious difference. Even worse are the engine problems that accompany a lack of maintenance.
Why do boat engines require maintenance?
All engines of any type require maintenance to one degree or another, and boat engines work harder than many other types of engines because they’re often run at high rpm for extended periods of time. What maintenance is necessary on a boat? Engine, hull and topsides, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, moving parts, and canvass and upholstery all need to be maintained on a boat.
Checklist for Boat Maintenance
Belts, Cables & Hoses
Always check for cracking that occurred during winter storage.
Belts should fit tightly around the pulleys to prevent slipping. A worn belt may have a black substance near the pulley & also may fit loosely.
Control cables with cracks or swelling on the outer layer may indicate need to replace.
Electrical Connections
Review electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness. Check for corrosion which is often a sign that the connection may not be safe. Remove terminals and use a wire brush to clean connections and cable ends.
Charge your battery and test it so you can be sure it will hold a charge. Electrical systems should be routinely inspected by a qualified technician.
Fluid Levels (Check all fluid levels including)
Engine oil- (change the oil if this was not done during winterizing. Include a new oil filter & change drive lubricants)
Coolant
Power trim reservoir
Power Steering Fluid
Propellers & Hulls
Inspect propellers for damage. Verify the propeller is properly secured.
If you experience unwanted vibration, poor performance and damage to the propulsion system, your prop may be damaged & need to be replaced.Inspect the Hull – look for cracks & distortions. Clean the outside of your boat using an environmentally-safe cleaner.
Fuel
Check your fuel lines for damage. Signs of damaged hoses can be either cracking, hard hoses or very soft hoses. Remember to check fuel hoses, connections and tank surfaces.
Ensure clamps and fitting are secured.
Ensure the engine, exhaust and ventilation systems are also all functioning properly.
Safety Gear
Lifejackets need to be in good condition. It's important for passengers to have access to the correct size lifejacket for their body weight.
Onboard fire extinguishers must be the correct class for your boat, fully charged.
Trailer
Inspect trailer wheels, verify that tires are inflated to proper level.
Check that trailer straps are not worn and are holding properly.
Regular maintenance is the key to longevity and performance of all equipment. In general, the annual service interval is 100hrs or every year, whichever comes first.
Visual inspections include all mounting hardware, lubrication of all fittings, flip every switch on boat to test circuits, clean battery terminals, and inspecting age of batteries and condition. The final steps are test-running, flushing the engine and washing the boat.
For more information or to schedule your annual service, contact us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have.