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Matakana Marine manager Aaron Stenbeck says there are basic steps that boaties can take to make sure their engines don’t blow up at the start of the season.
Aaron says it is important to check all the main systems on the boat before taking it out for the first time after a long period of being unused.
“The main issues we have are when people leave their boat at the bach or don’t use it all winter. When they do take their boat out, their engines overheat or their steering seizes up,” he says.
“If you haven’t managed to get your boat serviced, make sure to give it a 10-minute run on the driveway.”
“You could have a flat battery, so run it for several minutes to make sure it has capacity. Check the steering by giving it a full rotation. Check that the anchor winch is working and that wheel bearings move.”
He says another common problem is the rubber in an impeller pump hardening, causing blockages which hinder water flow, resulting in overheating.
Aaron says Matakana Marine has a long waitlist for servicing with six boats already booked in for after Christmas.
“We are busy right up until Christmas Eve, and then we will be quickly booked up with repairs. A lot of people get stuck on the boat ramp this time of year,” he says.
There are a few practical things that boat owners can do to keep their engines in good working order.
“The most common cause of breakdown that we see is water in the fuel system. Visually check your water filter by unscrewing it or looking through the clear window.”
He says at the end of the season running a salt cleaning flush through the engine will help prevent build up and blockages.
Taking a few minutes to apply grease to the steering through the nipples surrounding the wheel could also save on hours of repairs.
