Blog - Page 9 of 9 - BoatinPortal.com

A well-maintained fiberglass boat has the potential to offer many years of boating, pleasure, and fun.

While a fiberglass boat doesn’t require an extensive amount of maintenance, it can still benefit from a practical repair schedule. Issues with a fiberglass boat include repainting the hull, repairing any cracks, or giving a good clean and polish. Proper maintenance is certain to keep the boat operating issue free for that much longer.

Below are six steps to maintain the aesthetics, performance, and safety of the fiberglass boat:

Schedule

Get organized by writing out a maintenance schedule to ensure the work on the boat is completed on a consistent basis. A separate calendar for boat cleaning can itemize the best times to check parts for failure or wear, apply fresh paint, give a general clean, or prepare for winter lay-up.

Good wash

Giving the fiberglass boat a good wash is certain to help maintain the attractive appearance and avoid the buildup of salt, stains, and dirt. A periodic washing schedule is essential for not only keeping a clean hull and deck, but also makes it easier to notice other maintenance work. Only use the made for purpose cleaning solutions when washing the fiberglass hull and avoid heavy abrasives.

1 – Fresh water rinse

After using the boat in a saltwater environment give it a complete wash down using clean, fresh-water to help with removing all signs of salt residue. Also, make sure to clean the outboard engine (if applicable). A build up of salt residue can soon start eating away at the finish of the boat.

2 – Superstructure (clean)

Give the entire area of the deck (superstructure) a complete wash with a high-quality marine soap, warm water, and soft sponge. This should include washing and rinsing the windshield, deck boxes, vinyl seats, etc.

3 – Scrub the Deck

Scrub down the hull, deck, fixture and fittings using a pH-balanced and biodegradable that is especially intended for marine applications. A medium stiffness deck brush is likely to give the desired results. Avoid the brush with stiff bristle as this could potentially damage the boat’s finish.

4 – Superstructure (dry)

After the superstructure is fully cleaned make sure to thoroughly dry the surfaces using a dry, soft cloth.

5 – Windows and upholstery

Give the windows a sparkling shine using a home solution of water and vinegar or a more typical commercial cleaning product. Also, give the upholstery a good coating of a commercial vinyl solution to ensure the boat and equipment is well-maintained at all times.

6 – Polish and protect

A high-quality polish can help to protect the surface of the fiberglass hull once it has been given a good wash. A quality wax benefits the fiberglass material by providing a hard shell and a great shine. This protective layer will help to minimize the signs of color fading or discoloring after long-term exposure to the salt water. Use the right equipment when polishing to avoid scratching or digging into the surface of the hull.

Cracks

Any small cracks identified in the fiberglass material should be repaired as soon as possible. A fiberglass hull is most susceptible to cracks if likely to launch and recover from the beach or sailing in rough waters. A minor crack that isn’t fixed immediately can soon turn into a significant crack in a short time-frame. Any reliable fiberglass repair kit should be able to help with repairing these small cracks.

Pump

A yearly inspection or replacement of the pump is essential for the fiberglass boats. A low performing pump can mean the water that trickles in isn’t pumped out. A boat used every year can benefit from having the pump replaced yearly. This is a quite simple job and can be completed with a few basic tools.

Safety

If planning to work with fiberglass it helps to utilize the proper personal safety gear to avoid inhaling the potentially toxic fumes. Safety equipment to wear when working with fiberglass (repairing cracks, cleaning the hull, prep work for painting, etc.) includes full body protection suits, goggles, gloves, and respirator. This should make sure the toxic particles in the air aren’t breathed in when working on the boat.

Buying one of the used boats for sale is often a difficult prospect, so it is important to consider all other practicalities that come with owning a watercraft, such as the cost of maintenance, mooring fees, financial obligations (insurance and mortgage costs), taxes, etc.

Points to Consider

A number of questions need asking before even considering the purchase of Motor-driven Yacht – Sportsfishing Boat – Jet Ski while being certain to take all steps to guarantee that the info gathered is true and accurate.

Is all equipment (outboard, road trailer, electronics, etc) included within the quoted price?
Ask the reason for selling the craft.
Find out the age of the craft and its equipment
Has the craft been given a survey or mechanic report in the past?
Ask questions relating to prior claims history, damage, and maintenance.
If practical, take the boat out on a trail run.

Potential Uses of a Boat

Is salt or freshwater on the plan – are the cruising waters used coastal, inshore, or quiet lakes, what is the anticipated mooring type – either afloat or on dry-shore, and is the boat used year-round or the main seasonal months.

Be certain to book a mooring space at the earliest point possible if planning on using one of the popular slips, anchorage points, or marina berths – as these can be difficult to virtually impossible to book at short notice in some areas.

Is the planned purchase a sailboat, motor-cruiser, or high-performance PWC – either to experience the thrills of a highly maneuverable Jet Ski, fish shallow bodies of water in a wide, flat-bottomed boat, or cruise at a leisurely pace in a sailboat? Is water-sports, fishing or cruising the reason behind purchasing a watercraft. Or perhaps a combination of these activities – when fish and ski or deck boat will be more appropriate.

Who plans to step on-board the watercraft? Is there enough space to accept all those wishing to use the boat – an all-welded Jon or flat-bottomed boat is perfect for angling parties in shallow bodies of water, while a multi-functional deck boat at 32-ft plus offers a great choice for angling parties or just to entertain friends. A clear ideal on the type and class of vessel helps with determining the most desirable boat for sale.

Associated Costs of Owning

It is essential to total up all potential costs that might relate to owning a sizable watercraft. Such fees include on-going maintenance costs, mooring, dock structure or storage fees, fuel and oil, loan and mortgage costs, licenses and registration fees, and potential taxes.

Boats for Sale by Owner, Dealer or Trader

Purchasing the latest model fishing machine is likely to be a high-priced endeavor, comes in full operating order, and complete with a manufacturers warranty – although, a 2012 model often takes a sizable depreciation in value as soon as it leaves the dealers forecourt – in some cases, a 30-percent drop is noticed soon after its taken off the forecourt.

However, the experience boater is often able to appreciate the value in the pre-owned market, thou it is vital to take more care in shopping for a used PWC for sale to guarantee the best craft is obtained for the price.

Pre-purchase Inspection Reports

With pre-owned watercrafts, it is crucial to inspect it for signs of potential neglect or miss-use. What is the condition of the hull and deck – are there signs of fading, scratching or chipping – if so, the craft might not of been received the desired attention at the hands of the previous owner. If signs note noticeable damage to the outside of the vessel, than it is often a great benefit to inspect the inside, such as the electrical components and machinery.

Prior to making a promise to purchase in the second-hand market, it is advisable to obtain a full inspection report, with the report carried out by a qualified mechanic, marine surveyor, marine shop worker. Also, if possible, a test drive or on-water sea trail offer another opportunity to establish the handling and performance of the craft.

And relating to insurance – if a vessel is aged – often at 10 – 15 years – self-built, or of a particular brand – it’s often a necessity to submit a copy of the full out-of-water survey and valuation prior to effective all-risks boat insurance coverage.

Destinations for Boats for Sale

Possible destination for locating a desirable second-hand sail or motor-driven craft include the high number of boat dealerships, marinas, and boat yards, which give easy access for those living in a boating community. Alternatively, go visit a marine, yard, or accessory store to search the bulletin boards, while classified ads in local newspaper offer a further option. Online auction sites (see the high volume of boats for sale on eBay for example), repo boats and boat dealerships are also a great place to locate potential powerboats, sailboats or jet skis for sale.

If plans are in motion to search out one of the used boats for sale, it is vital not to ignore the potential on-going costs that come with boat ownership, in order to experience a long-lasting and fun time on the water.