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Which of the Following is Recommended Maintenance for an Inboard Boat?

Written by J. Harvey / Fact checked by S. Numbers

which of the following is recommended maintenance for an inboard boat

Boaters should take an exam to obtain a license. If you’re one of them, you’ll come across question TP-19: Which of the following is recommended maintenance for an inboard boat? This article will show you the answer, so keep on reading.

The answer to said question is the restoration of deteriorated engine and hull zincs disfigured by corrosion. However, just having the answer won’t help you pass the exam and get your license. You also need to learn how to take care of your boat, including the proper techniques to maintain your inboard boat’s condition. Here’s a step-by-step guide.

Which of the Following is Recommended Maintenance for an Inboard Boat

maintain-an-inboard-outboard-motor

1. Winterization

The parts that you have to focus on in this process are the engine, plumbing system, fuel system, and other systems that can hold water. To ensure that these parts are taken care of, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Begin by preparing the engine and see to it that every drop of water is discarded.
  • Step 2: You have to get corrosion protection for the engine. Some reliable products are CRC Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, MARPRO Marine Grade Anti-Corrosion Inhibitor, Corrosion X Corrosion Technologies Aerosol, and BOESHIELD T-9 Rust and Corrosion Protector.

Apply the protective solution for every part of the engine.

  • Step 3: Proceed with fogging if needed. You can refer to the instruction manual for any special steps.
  • Step 4: You need to purchase a fuel-stabilizing additive that can maintain the optimum performance of the fuel system. After using the additive, you can turn on the engine.
  • Step 5: Next, you have to change fuel filters and fuel or water separators in the fuel system.
  • Step 6: It’s also necessary to clear out what’s inside the freshwater plumbing systems with parts, such as heads, tanks, and sinks.
  • Step 7: Use antifreeze like New Mercury Anti Freeze, Zerex Original Green Ready-to-use Antifreeze, or Starbrite Winter Non-toxic Anti Freeze for the boat’s plumbing system.

You may also get a readiness kit that consists of an antifreeze solution and necessary tools.

  • Step 8: Double-check if there’s water in supplemental systems, such as bilge pumps, live wells, raw water washdown, and more.
  • Step 9: Unplug the drains.
  • Step 10: To complete, cover your boat for winter storage. You can get dependable boat covers from iCOVER, Seamander, MSC, and NEXCOVER.

Water is the primary concern during winter storage or off-season. It can freeze and create a lot of trouble. Corrosion, mold, and mildew growth bother boat owners greatly, and they appear because of water.

2. Flushing the Engine

The engine of inboard boats can get filthy. Debris clings on it every time you take it for sailing. If you let the dirt stay, the boat’s performance will eventually wane down. Flushing is the solution for this matter.

With the help of cleaning fluids like Star Tron Gas Tank and Fuel System Cleaner and Chevron Techron Protection Plus with effective formulas, you can easily get rid of debris or dirt.

But before flushing the engine, cover the air intake. This will prevent small particles from getting inside it.

3. Time for Propeller Check

Ropes, anchor chains, and fishing lines can get caught on the propeller at times. Lines and ropes are not damaging if they don’t have any aluminum parts that tend to bend. It can happen when chains stick around the propeller.

The propeller may have some dents or scrapes as a result. So, you have to look closely. Some items can help you prevent injuring the propeller. They are lanyards, ladder interlock, electronic sensors, propulsion alternatives, prop guard, ringed propeller, and wireless cut-off switches.

4. Changing Oil

Changing the oil in your inboard boat is not only for the sake of winterization. It should be done regularly, like every 100 hours to keep the engine system in good shape. You may also refer to your user manual for the suggested frequency of changing oil.

Oil replacement is generally easy. but if you need guidance to do it, you can check the manual. If you think you don’t have enough skills for the job, hire a dealer with expertise to do it for you.

5. Regular Washing of the Boat

Regular washing is a simple task for boat owners. It doesn’t have to be technical, but you have to be thorough. Aside from the pleasant looks that it gives to your boat, it can counter corrosion caused by saltwater exposure.

To help you with this task, get one of these effective cleaning products: MEGUIAR’s Marine Boat Wash, 303 Marine Wash with Protectant, Star Brite Multi-surface Cleaner, and Better Boat Premium Grade Boat Soap Concentrate.

The Final Words

If you give enough attention to the necessary maintenance steps, your boat will continue to offer optimum performance for a long time. An inboard boat is like other kinds of vessels that need attention and care.

Choosing the correct answer is not enough for the question of “which of the following is recommended maintenance for an inboard boat?” Grasping the application is more practical and beneficial. So, keep what you’ve read from this article in mind.

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