Boat Troubleshooting Guide

Is  your boat experiencing a maintenance issue? Some repairs call for the expertise of a technician, but before you head to the nearest marine service centre, you should evaluate the problem and determine whether it can be solved with a simple fix. The following tips from Howell’s Marine Sales & Service can assist you in finding a DIY solution!

Common Boat Maintenance Issues

If you encounter any of the following issues, you are not alone! These are some of the most common problems encountered by boat owners, and they each have a pretty simple solution.

Vibrating Outboard Motor

When your outboard motor starts vibrating more than usual, this often indicates that something is wrapped around the propeller – such as seaweed or a stay fishing line. Try turning off the engine and removing any debris from the propeller. When you return to the dock, give the prop a more thorough cleaning and inspection, and make sure the prop seal is intact by draining the lower unit fluid and looking for water. If your outboard motor continues to vibrate excessively after taking these steps, head to your nearest marine service centre.

Salt Deposits

Are salt deposits building up around the spark plugs on your outboard motor? This is a pretty common issue with brand-new outboard motors that still need breaking in. If it starts to interfere with the performance of your outboard, head to the service center and ask a technician to re-torque the cylinder head bolts to the original factory settings.

Fogged-Up Windows

If your boat has an air-conditioned cabin, you might find the cabin windows getting fogged up with condensation on warm nights. This is more than a minor annoyance – fogged-up windows can seriously impede safety and visibility, especially after dark. Fortunately, this can be prevented by a quick application of glass cleaner. Spraying glass cleaner on your windows and wiping them with a damp cloth will create a film of material that resists condensation.

Stuck Zippers

The zippers on your boat’s side curtains or boat cover can easily get jammed with salt, dust, and debris, making them difficult to operate. Rather than using brute force, which might damage the zipper beyond repair, try an application of silicone spray. Silicone spray can work wonders on stuck zippers, making them slide easily while preventing rust and oxidation.

We hope you found these troubleshooting tips helpful! If you need more advice on boat maintenance, don’t hesitate to contact Howell’s Marine Sales & Service. We serve boaters from London and beyond at our dealership in Chatham, ON.