If you purchased a new bass boat, you likely spent a lot of money and plan to keep it for some time. For this reason, you should keep the boat maintained so it will last longer for you. Below are three tips on how you can do this.

Flush the Outboard Motor

The outboard motor is the most expensive component on your boat. To keep it running at optimal performance, flush the engine after every fishing trip. To do this, start up the engine and allow the water pump to flush it out. When you no longer see any water coming out of the engine, it is pumped.

As the water is coming out of the engine, place your fingers through the water. The water should feel warm to you and not hot. The water should flow steadily and strong. If the water is hot and the water does not flow out strong, there is likely debris in the outflow tube. Fortunately, you can take care of this problem yourself using wire. Turn the engine off first and insert the wire into the flow tube. Pull it in and out and back and forth to clear the tube of debris. Start up the engine again and see if the water is flowing much stronger now. If there is still a problem, you may have a problem with the water pump.

If you find that you need to purchase a new outboard motor, check out a company like All Seasons Honda & Peninsula Ski-Doo.

Provide Regular Maintenance

On a regular basis, check the fuel line on the boat for any worn or cracked spots. Also, look at the fuel primer bulb for any cracks. Inspect the fuel line fittings to ensure they are seated properly and there are no leaks. Inspect the fuel line clamp for any corrosion or rust. You also need to keep an eye on the fuel tank and look for any corrosion and damage, as well as check the tank vent to ensure it is aspirating properly. You should also check for water in the fuel on a regular basis.

Clean Exterior Boat

There is a gelcoat coating on the exterior of your boat to make the boat shine. Over time, the gelcoat can become porous, which results in stains. To prevent this from happening, you need to keep the exterior of your boat clean.

Spray the boat down with a garden hose and clean it with a cleaner specifically made for gelcoat. When you are finished, thoroughly rinse the boat to remove the cleaner and wipe it dry with a soft, microfiber cloth. Once it is dry, wax the boat to provide protection. Waxing will also make the boat look shiny and polished.  

Clean the boat when you see that it is dirty, and put more wax on the boat when you notice it starts to lose the shine.

Contact a boat mechanic and they can give you some more tips on keeping your boat in good shape.