Take advantage of the cold weather by giving your boat some well deserved maintenance. This article includes tips on how to keep your boat in good shape and ready for the new season. Suffice to say that the weather isn't what boat enthusiasts would refer to as 'ideal conditions.' In fact, it's pretty safe to say the weather is a bit undesirable for boating. And while it provides you the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the other engines in your garage and the adventures you will have with them, it's also the perfect time to give your boat some off-season maintenance. To get you started, VipaSynthetics has a post to share with three basic tips for general boat maintenance and some information on how to stay safe on the water.

A Good Clean Will Discover It All

More than just making your boat look enviable, cleaning your boat is also the best way to uncover any damage, especially at the early stages where you have more of a chance to act quickly to prevent serious damage. Start with a thorough wash with some water, purpose designed boat cleaning solution and a firm sponge. Once you've finished, be sure to give it a good wipe down with a dry, clean cloth to remove any lingering moisture. As you wipe it down, take the time to closely look at your boat, looking for any damage, no matter how small.

Just Like All Engines.

Your boat needs fluids to operate at it's best. Well, really, it needs fluids to operate at all, making it even more important that you check your levels and replace any old engine lubricants that may be past their use-span. The type and size of your vessel will determine what kind of fluids you have, such as hydraulic steering fluid for larger boats. However, all boats need one common fluid - engine oil. While there isn't a solid rule of thumb, once every 100 hours can be a good guide to use when deciding when to replace your oil instead of just topping it up. When it does come time for a synthetic oil change, make sure that you aren't using the oil that you use for your car - they aren't compatible. If you aren't sure which is the right oil for your boat, check the online store for products like AMSOIL's AMSOIL 10W-40 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil. Alternatively, don't hesitate to speak with an expert at VipaSynthetics by calling (718) 948-6384. Vipa Synthetics have extensive knowledge about motor oil for all engine types and can make sure you get the right one for your vehicle.

Check, Check, 1..2..3...

That isn't something you want to be speaking into your emergency radio because you forgot to check the wiring before you took your boat out and now you're stuck on the water. Take a tour of your boat and inspect any wires and cables. Replace any frayed wires and give any exposed cables a wipe down with a dry clean cloth to remove any small buildup. Once you're confident the wiring is all sorted, give everything a quick test to make sure it's going to work when you need it.

Boat Safety Before You Hit the Water

There is a lot that you can do as a boat owner to prepare your vessel for a safe ride.

• Be sure that any, and all anti-slip grips are clean and clear
• Remove any clutter that could catch passengers' feet
• Ensure you properly fasten any guide and safety rails
• Ensure that you have a life jacket for each person on the boat.
  • Remember that a child's life jacket and an adult's life jacket can not be interchanged. Be sure to have an appropriately sized life jacket for each passenger on your boat.
• Restock your emergency box. Consider including the following items:
  • Flares
  • Battery powered emergency radio
  • Flashlights
  • Whistle
  • Basic tools
  • Extra batteries
  • Rope (with attached float)
  • First aid kit

If there are any other items in your box, take them out, check their usage dates and condition, and only put them back in if you are sure they will work if you get stuck.

Boat Safety on the Water

The responsibility of a safe boat falls to each passenger. Remind yours of their role in keeping the boat safe, such as not running around the desk, only standing up when necessary, don't stand around the engines, etc. Instill any safety rules applicable for your boat into every person that boards your boat.

Keep Your Boat in Good Shape With a Synthetic Oil Change in Brooklyn This Winter

Just like all engines, your boat's motor needs engine lubricant, and that's going to wear out after a while. Instead of just topping it up, take some time this winter to give your boat a synthetic oil change to remove any contaminants and give your boat a fresh start next season. If you don't know which engine oil is the right one for you, AMSOIL'S 10W-40 Synthetic Marine Engine Oil is a good place to start. Take a look around the online store for information on more of the products available. If you prefer, you can easily speak with a synthetic oil change expert at VipaSynthetics by calling (718) 948-6384. With a range of AMSOIL oils in stock, VipaSynthetics will make sure you get the right engine lubricant for your engine, whichever form it comes in.