MAINTENANCE
ENGINE SERVICE
Four stroke outboard engine major maintenance should be done once a year or 100 hours whichever comes first. A complete engine service should include the following: 1) engine oil and filter change (use only manufacturers recommend lubricants). 2) Replace spark plugs. 3) Change engine fuel filter. 4) Replace water separator/fuel filter. 5) Grease all zerk fittings with marine grease. 6) Clean and oil steering shaft. 7) Remove propeller and check for any fishing line that may be wrapped on the shaft behind propeller. 8) Grease shaft with marine grease and reinstall propeller. 9) Drain lower unit oil and refill with manufacturers recommended lower unit oil. 10) Clean and wax engine top to bottom. This is what any good service department would do for your 100-hour service.
VINYL CLEANING
First, clean and remove any mildew from the vinyl upholstery on our boats. Once that is done, then treat the vinyl with either Meguiars 57 or 303. All gel coat and metal surfaces can be cleaned and polished with Meguiars Quick Detailer. This will make your boat shine like new.
BIMINI MAINTENANCE
Bimini top, backdrop and playpen covers should be cleaned and waterproofed every three to five years, depending on usage. Products used for this maintenance are 303 fabric cleaner and 303 fabric protector. Remove fabric from boat, lay it on a flat surface, and wet it down. Then apply 303 fabric cleaner and scrub with a soft car wash brush. Rinse with a hard spray from the hose, turn top over, and repeat the process. Let dry completely. Then put the outside of the covers facing up and coat heavily with 303 fabric protector. Your covers will look brand new and perform properly.
REPAIRING CANVAS
If you have canvas on your boat with snaps and they have come off or come apart, this is a simple repair you can do yourself. You can buy a kit to do this repair with snaps and tools from West Marine Overtons, or your local marine supplier, and you can replace those snaps very quickly for an easy repair.
DIRTY PONTOONS
It is possible to lose 300 to 400 RPM because of the drag created by dirty pontoons. Let’s give your pontoons a tune up. After putting your boat on the trailer, you will need the following to clean them properly: a pressure washer, a garden type sprayer, and an aluminum cleaner and brightener. The aluminum cleaner and brightener can be purchased at most marine stores. I mix from 10 to 14 ounces of cleaner per one gallon of water. Then wet the pontoons. I suggest you start on the inside of the pontoons first. Spray cleaner on one half of the length of the pontoon at a time. Let it sit for approximately 3-4 minutes and then rinse with pressure washer.
DO NOT LET THE CLEANER SOLUTION DRY ON THE PONTOONS!!
If necessary, spray some more solution to keep it wet. In order to get the best looking cleaning job, I recommend going over each area twice. This will help in removing streaks and added dirt. It is imperative to rinse twice with your pressure washer to make sure that all of the cleaning solution has been removed. Complete the cleaning of the inside of the pontoons then do the outside of the pontoons in the same manner.
This will result in a clean looking and efficient pontoon. Also don’t forget to do the inside of your motor pod.