Boat Maintenance Tips
Battery care
Check to ensure that battery is clean, properly charged and at the correct fluid levels before each outing.
Bilge pumps
Before every outing, inspect your bilge pump to ensure that it is functioning properly. You will also want to make sure that the battery has enough juice so that if you are in the unfortunate situation where your boat is trying to sink, the battery will have enough power to run the pump for a prolonged amount of time.
Boat covers
Always cover up your boat after an outing. It will help you in maintaining your boat and keeping it free of spiders, bird droppings, dirt and leaves.
General cleaning and care
Routine washing and waxing of your boat helps protect it from the elements.
You can protect seats with a vinyl protectant which will keep them from cracking and fading over time. A boat's hull should be waxed at least once a year. Boats that are kept in the water for long periods of time will need to have their bottom painted every 2 or 3 years to protect against barnacles and zebra mussels.
Know your boat
Routinely inspect your boat and keep an eye out for anything that looks different or out of place—loose fittings, frayed ropes, etc. Check all electrical systems and components for moisture or corrosion. You can do some preventative maintenance by protecting electrical fittings with a water-repellant, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.
Lower units and drive shafts
Drive shafts are used on inboard applications. The drive shaft is sealed with packing that sometimes wears down and can cause a leak. Stern drives should be removed once a season or two depending on how heavily you use the boat. Once removed, the U-joints should be lubed and the gear lube in the lower unit should be changed. Water pump impeller should also be changed once a year to avoid possibly overheating the engine.
Motor maintenance
Flush engine after every outing, check oil levels and inspect engine cooling system. Do a general inspection for signs of damage or rust. Like cars, changing your oil and fuel filters regularly can add years to your engine's life.
Study up
Be sure to look over your owner's manual for specific guidelines as to your boat's maintainence. There is also plenty of information and instruction on-line. See our Boating Courses page for more information.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Joe Hoffmaster—Sales Manager, General Manager, Sales Specialist new boats; M, T, W, and F
8 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Martha Hoffmaster—Head Mom
Judy Chilcot—Accounts Receivables, billing questions, and boat sales; M–F 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Terry Verity—Service Writer, parts and service questions; M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jeff Atwood—Sales Specialist; T–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. or by appointment
Charles Hedrick—Sales Specialist; M, W, Th, and F 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sun. noon–4 p.m. or by appointment
Tracey Crowell—Parts and Accessories; M–F 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Sam Childress—Lead Tech/Foreman; M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
John Louisor—Marine Coatings specialist, lead lift operator, ship's systems; M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dave McMillan—Volvo Penta Certified Tech, Fiberglass Repair, ship's systems; M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Jon Hanner—Volvo Penta Certified Tech, Electronics and Electrical Specialist; M–F 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
For Service and parts orders and follow-up, call Terry or Tracey. On the weekends leave Terry notes. Parts order forms and work order forms are located on the parts counter or online. Anybody in the store can assist you with this.
To put your boat up on brokerage or to get a value call Chuck.
If you have a question about your bill call Judy.
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