Boat Maintenance Checklist

Updated: October 23, 2023

Enjoying South Florida's wonderful waterways is worth almost any amount of effort. Having your own boat gives you the freedom to explore every corner of the Keys, but it also gives you a responsibility. Properly maintaining your boat ensures your safety and enjoyment, and costs less in the long run than expensive repairs.

We at Riva can sell you the boat of your dreams, but you need to work with us from then on to look after it properly. Proper boat maintenance is a partnership between owner and dealer. Here are some of the things you need to consider:

Knowing your Oil Schedule

Just like a car, your boat needs to have its oil changed regularly. The exact schedule depends on the type of engine and the model of boat. Unlike changing a car's oil, changing the oil in a car is quite complicated and involved. Generally, it's best to bring your boat to us and let us take care of it, even if you can handle a car yourself.

Changing a boat's oil requires an oil extractor pump and an oil wrench, and you need to make sure there's water coming through the water intake while changing the oil. It's best to hand this over to the experts unless you are really confident you can handle it yourself, or you could damage your boat's engine.

Bring your boat in on the recommended schedule to ensure the health of its engine.

Fuel and Fuel Stabilizers

With a boat, running out of fuel can be really embarrassing. However, boats also need a good amount of fuel maintenance, depending on the fuel type. Always fill your boat's tank to the top and keep it that way when not using your boat; this prevents water from getting into your tank. Make sure you use the right additives for your fuel type.

If you are going to be storing your boat for an extended period of time, your fuel may destabilize. The easiest way is to add a proper fuel stabilizer to your boat's fuel tank before leaving. As Florida doesn't really have an off-season, we recommend that you avoid draining the fuel.

Watch for Corrosion

Boats are prone to corrosion from being in and out of water. Always monitor your boat for corrosion and other issues, such as mold. Any time your boat is out of the water, dry it off and inspect it for problems. Wash your boat down with a mild solution of white vinegar to kill mold, then dry it thoroughly.

Regularly inspect all metal attachments and components, especially the engine, especially if you are using the boat at sea (salt water increases corrosion risk). Rusty components should be replaced promptly. If in doubt, check with us. We can do an inspection of your boat and tell you what needs to be replaced.

Benefits of Professional Maintenance

Many boaters try to do their own maintenance. This can result in problems, such as engine damage from improper oil changing technique, breaking down from corrosion in the engine you missed, etc.

We recommend regular professional maintenance to extend the life of your boat, especially for the fast boats and jet skis we typically sell. You want your boat to be fuel efficient, safe, and give you the enjoyment you seek. Most of the water around us is salt, increasing corrosion risk.

Get Your Boat Professionally Maintained at Riva Motorsports & Marine of the Keys

Contact us to discuss your boat's maintenance schedule. We provide information to our customers if they purchase a new or used watercraft from us. As every boat is different, call our service department to get recommendations specifically for you. We do all routine maintenance and work on the best-known brands! Call us today to discuss your boat's maintenance needs.

Image source: Maria Dryfhout// Shutterstock