Caring for your Hooker Boat
Boat Maintenance
Did you know around 82% of all boating incidents reported last year were due to boats breaking down on the water? Maintenance doesn’t have to be a chore – get into the routine and maintain your boat. Marine Safety Victoria has put together a Vessel Maintenance Check List.
Check your motor:
Manufacturers usually recommend a service by a specialized workshop at least once a year, even if the motor is hardly used. This ensures vital internal parts, such as the water pump is checked. If your motor is used regularly, you should change your gear-box oil every three months.
- Replace your pull cord if it fraying
- Check all wiring
- Clean spark-plugs, check gap or replace
- Check compression
- Lubricate all moving parts
- Check and re-fill gear case oil
- Clean cooling system passages
- Check propeller and nut – sand or file any small cracks
Check your fuel:
- Always replace old fuel - never go out with fuel which is more than six months old
- Make sure you have enough fuel for the trip - 1/3 out, 1/3 back and 1/3 in reserve
- Clean your fuel tank at least once a year with a suitable solvent and dispose of old fuel responsibly
- Inspect the fuel tank for cracks or corrosion
- Always replace old fuel after periods of inactivity
- Inspect fuel lines, manual priming bulb and connections for cracks and leaks
- Clean out or replace fuel filter
- For fuel disposal please make contact with your local council for details
Check your batteries:
- Top up battery cells with distilled water and check each cell with a hydrometer
- The battery should be charged at a rate that is suitable to the battery and should never be over-charged.
- Batteries should be secured in brackets
- Battery terminals, cables and casing should be kept clean
- Grease terminals regularly
- Test all equipment that uses the battery
Check your boat structure:
- Clean and paint your boat regularly
- Inspect boat for corrosion and cracks
- Ensure all bungs are suitable and in good condition
- Check for water and fuel leaks
- Check and grease drain flaps
- Ensure bilges are clean and dry
- Test steering for stiffness - oil cable with the correct lubricant
We also recommend keeping the following items on board:
- Engine manual
- Flywheel pull rope
- Spare ‘O’ rings for fuel connector
- New spark-plugs
- A spark-plug spanner (or diesel injector spanner)
- Ratchet with extender and shifting spanner
- Spare fuses, bung and shackle
- A sharp knife, pliers and screwdrivers
- Spare propeller nut, washer, split pins and socket for propeller nut
- Steel wool to clean battery terminals
- De-watering spray (RP7 or similar)
- Spare oil and funnel
- Spare key and stop harness (kill switch lanyard)
Cleaning
The gelcoat on your boat will stay bright and new looking provided you wash and wax it regularly, using approved products. Washing your boat every time it has been used is a must to eliminate the salt water sitting and deteriorating the gelcoat and hardware fitted to your boat.
Cleaning and maintenance: Thoroughly washing your boat with fresh water is a must and this includes the trailer and motor and all the hard to get to places in your boat.
A polish such as Gel Gloss from Fibreglass International or sum what simular may be used to maintain your gelcoat finish and acetone can be used on stubborn spots including the gunwale rubber. If acetone is to be used, keep it well away from all upholstery including the carpet.
Lanogaurd or Inox should be used on your trailer for preservation and also on components such as steering and motors.
Seating, they are swivel and sliding, there for removing pedestal seats and thoroughly wash with fresh water.
Check all drain bungs are out and clear. Hose excess salt water of then use a recommend detergent to soap up your boat. Hose excessively to rinse of soap.
Leave esky lids open when not in use to avoid sweating and moulding.
Tips
- Use warm soapy water
- Dry clean with chamois cloths.
- Don’t wash boat in bright sunlight – it will streak.
- Flush engine with clean fresh water.
- Hose all electrical components with fresh water.
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