Engine Room & Boat Systems Maintenance Tips
Main Engines
- The captain and/or owner must read through the manual for the main engines to find the proper specifications and intervals for preventive maintenance.
- All fluids must be checked and filled to proper levels as needed before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of the water pumps and belts must be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection for leaks or cracked hoses must be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of Racor filters for water should be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of sea strainers should be done before each cruise.
- Oil changes and filters must be done according to the manufacturer specifications.
- Oil samples should be taken and sent out for testing whenever oil change is done.
- Fuel filters must be replaced according to the manufacture specifications.
- Racor fuel filters should be replaced when secondary fuel filters are replaced as needed.
- Zinc must be checked and replaced as needed every 120 days (and at oil change intervals). This may vary due to boat location.
- Air intake filters must be checked. Clean and/or replaced according to manufacture specifications.
Fuel System
- Check Racor filters before each cruise.
- Filter fuel as needed if vessel sits for extended period (180 days).
- Visual check system for leaks weekly.
- Use of Bio Bon is recommended as per manufactures specifications.
Steering System
- The captain and/or owner must read through the manual for the steering system to find the proper specifications and intervals for preventive maintenance.
- A visual check of the fluid level must be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of sea strainers should be done before each cruise.
Control System
- The captain and/or owner must read through the manual for the control system to find the proper specifications and intervals for preventive maintenance.
- A visual check of the fluid level must be done before each cruise.
Air System
- Air tank drained monthly.
- Air compressor oil changed yearly as per manufacture specifications.
Bilge System
- Should be checked daily for excess water.
- Must be cleaned if oil is present.
- Bilge pump and float switch checked weekly for proper operation.
- Bilge should be washed annually.
Gear Box
- The captain and/or owner must read through the manual for the gear box to find the proper specifications and intervals for preventive maintenance.
- Fluid level check and visual inspection to be done before each cruise.
- Change oil and filter according to manufacture specifications.
Generator (s)
- The captain and/or owner must read through the manual for the generator to find the proper specifications and intervals for preventive maintenance.
- All fluids must be checked and filled to proper levels as needed before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of the water pumps and belts must be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection for leaks or cracked hoses must be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of Racor filters for water should be done before each cruise.
- A visual inspection of sea strainers should be done before each cruise.
- Oil changes and filters must be done according to the manufacture specifications.
- Oil samples should be taken and sent out for testing whenever oil change is done, per manufacture specifications.
- Fuel filters must be replaced according to the manufacture specifications.
- Racor fuel filters should be replaced when secondary fuel filters are replaced or as needed.
- Zinc must be checked and replaced as needed every 120 days or at oil change intervals. This may vary due to boat location.
- Air intake filters must be checked. Clean and/or replaced according to manufacture specifications.
A/C System
- All filters removed, cleaned and replaced monthly.
- All drain pans cleaned and checked for debris that might clog drain line monthly.
- All sea strainers should be checked Bi-weekly and cleaned as needed.
- Normal water flow should be noted, so change will be noticed.
- Back flush raw water lines annually by manufacturer specifications.
Electrical System
- All battery fluid must be checked once a week and fluid added as needed.
- All battery terminals must be checked for tightness and corrosion monthly.
- All battery cells should be checked with a hydrometer and/or load test every six months.
- All battery chargers checked for proper operation weekly.
- Check all navigational lights, operational before cruise.
Fresh Water System
- Fresh water tank level checked and filled as needed daily.
- Filters checked weekly and changed as needed.
- In the event of low usage the water tank should be run empty and fresh water be put into tank Bi-annually.
- Water maker system back flushed with fresh water Bi- weekly.
- Water maker fresh water filters replaced according to the manufacture specifications.
- Add Puriclean to water as per manufacture specifications.