Boats usually come with an owner manual. The purpose of the manual is for owners to know the schedule of having their boats serviced. However, the schedule of boat maintenance is not a one-size-fits-all.
It means that hiring a professional boat mechanic when it’s time to have your boat serviced is always a smart move. The functionality of the vessel as well as the installation of additional accessories needs the expertise and experience of a professional boat mechanic.
Waiting until the boat is faulty is not a good way to maintain it in tip-top condition. Fewer repair problems are encountered with periodic maintenance. Boat maintenance can be a DIY project but electronics and engines are complicated services that need professional help.
Unless you’re a master mechanic, hiring a professional boat mechanic is the best choice when you want optimum health for your boat.
Benefits of hiring a Professional Boat Mechanic
The benefits a professional boat mechanic brings to the table include:
Painting and sandblasting
Sandblasting ay surface of the boat before painting ensures a high-quality finish. New paint can quickly and efficiently latch onto the boat’s bottom or surfaces with sandblasting. Both the exterior and interior of the boat become a clean slate for painting when they are sandblasted.
Sandblasting is a necessary prep work before painting. This method especially benefits the bottom of the boat before the application of antifouling paint. Antifouling paint stays for a long time when the surface is properly sandblasted.
Hiring the services of a professional boat mechanic ensures the proper way of prep painting work.
Composite, steel, and aluminium hull repairs
A snag on the boat’s hull needs to be repaired right off. Composite, steel, and aluminium hull need different types of repairs. The basic materials used for hull repairs include:
- Essence F or Acetone degreaser
- Anti-dust mask
- A coating spatula
- Rag paper
- 320 and 120 sanding block grit paper
- Quick-setting epoxy putty
Other than the materials, the process of repairing the boat’s hull is long, messy, and tedious. Mistakes along the way are not only stressful but also expensive. Hiring a professional boat mechanic is not only stress-free; it is also a cost-effective option down the road.
Pipework and steel restorations or repairs
The external side of boat pipes made of steel needs to be regularly checked and repainted. It’s only the non-corrosive pipes such as those made of plastic-coated or galvanised material that doesn’t need painting.
Failing boat pipes have to be immediately identified before they leak. Hiring the leading boat mechanics ensures pressure tests and procedural checks to locate pipe weakness as well as perform repairs.
Electrical adjustments
Problems in the electrical systems of boats are caused by:
- Insufficient battery capacity
- Lack of maintenance
- Ineffective charging systems
- Poor installation
Unless you’re an electrical engineer or electrician, handing the electrical adjustment to a boat mechanic is the best option. This ensures the optimum function of the boat’s electricals.
Hydraulic overhaul for fixed or flexible systems
Oil-filled hydraulic power systems installed in a boat make them a boater’s dream. The system does a lot to make the boat perform at optimum levels while not demanding too much attention. However, periodic maintenance is needed whether the boat’s hydraulic systems are simple or sophisticated.
Having them checked regularly by a professional boat mechanic ensures their peak performance.