Marine Maintenance

Just like automobiles, the key to keeping a boat running for years and keeping its value up, is regular maintenance. Let the marine experts at Full Blown Automotive Center perform engine, hull, annual, semi-annual, and winterization maintenance on your boat.

Engine & Drivetrain

Following the manufacturer recommended maintenance schedule is important in keeping your marine motor and drivetrain working properly and preventing expensive repairs in the future. Like cars, boats require regular oil changes. However, required maintenance is scheduled based on the hours the engine runs rather than miles. Other services should be done, similar to automobiles, such as air filter replacement, serpentine belt replacement, and lubrication of moving parts. Maintenance required on marine engines and drivetrains will differ somewhat depending on the engine and drive type. Inboard engines are very similar to car or truck engines and have similar maintenance requirements. Outboard engines require lubrication of different parts, particularly in the driveline. Stern drive equipped boats need particular maintenance service and inspection of seals and bearings on the driveline as well. Jet skis and personal watercraft use pump jet drives and have unique maintenance requirements differing from traditional marine engines. Pump jets require specific oil and lubricants. If you are unsure of your boat or watercrafts maintenance requirements, check your owner's manual or contact Full Blown for more details.

Hull

Boat hulls require regular maintenance and inspection as well. It is important to wash and wax the hull of the boat regularly as the fiberglass finish can become cloudy, hazy, and dull over time. Fiberglass boats should be buffed at least annually to ensure maximum hull protection. Regularly washing and waxing of the hull also provides the opportunity for a thorough inspection of the hull for any damage to the fiberglass, paint, or gel coat. It is important to check for hull damage and repair before cracks or penetrations can form in the fiberglass. The transom mount, water inlets, bilge, swim platform brackets, or any other penetrations in the hull should be inspected for hull cracks and damage to seals or grommets. Aluminum hull watercraft should also be inspected regularly for cracks and loose rivets. One of the best ways to ensure that your boat or PWC maintains its value is to maintain the hull regularly.

Winterization & Long Term Storage

While boat owners in Florida have little need to fully winterize their vessel, placing a boat in long term storage requires a few maintenance services to protect the engine, drivetrain, hull, and interior. In areas that experience freezing temperatures it is necessary to ensure that all water has been drained from the bilge, inlets, exhaust, and cooling system to prevent, potentially, severe damage to components especially for vessels that have been in salt water. Freezing is not an issue in Florida, but for owners planning to store their vessel long term should follow winterization protocols anyway as the process protects internal components. Cooling systems should be flushed and treated with appropriate anti-freeze to protect from corrosion. All drivetrain components should be lubricated or greased to prevent corrosion and seizing of components. The engine, carbeurator, and throttle body needs to have marine fogging oil ran through the motor which helps protect internal engine parts from corrosion and seizing as well. The fuel system needs to be completely emptied with fuel stabilizer ran through to protect fuel system components and prevent costly repairs later on. Fuel/water seperators and fuel filters should be replaced prior to storage or winterization.

Whether you just need an oil change in a Tracker bass boat, buff your Nautique hull, or you need to winterize your Bayliner for long term storage; Full Blown Automotive Center has expert marine technicians and access to fluids, filters, and parts for all boat and watercraft manufacturers.