Boat Troubleshooting 101

No matter how nice your boat is, there will inevitably be some issue with it that needs to be addressed. It is a vehicle just like any other, with moving parts that wear down and malfunction over time. Fortunately, if you have the knowledge and the right tools, there are many boat problems that you can address easily at home without ever having to bring your boat into a service department.

The Harbor in Branson, MO, is your local boat dealer. Here are a few boat troubleshooting tips to help you determine what’s going on with your craft and how you can fix it.

Salt Build-Up

Problem: Your brand-new outboard motor is showing signs of salt deposit build-up around the spark plugs, which may endanger its functionality.

Solution: New engines that you’re trying to break in are more likely to suffer this fate. Make sure you get your boat to a mechanic who can re-torque your cylinder head bolts.

Excessive Vibration

Problem: As you bring your boat up to speed, the engine starts to vibrate and doesn’t stop.

Solution: The propeller may have an issue, like a snarled towing rope or fishing line in the shaft or a damaged blade that is causing imbalance. Slow your boat down and get to shore so that you can remove the propeller and see what the issue is. Don’t ignore the problem! You may want to carry a spare prop with you to swap out when the vibration starts.

Overheating Engine

Problem: If you see the needle rising on your temperature gauge, this generally means that there isn’t enough water flowing through the cooling loop on your engine. Instead of having a radiator like your car does to keep its engine cool, boat engines draw up water to cool the engine.

Solution: You probably have an obstruction in the water intake, such as weeds, sand, mud or even a piece of plastic trash. Cleaning out your intake can help get the water flowing again. If this doesn’t resolve it, then a split or burst hose or loosened hose clamp may be the real issue. Make sure that you service your impeller on a regular basis and keep an eye on corrosion.

Stuck Zippers

Problem: Try as you might, you cannot close or open the zippers on your boat’s curtains or cover. Even though nothing seems to be wrong, the zippers just won’t move.

Solution: Salt or sand is likely the culprit. These tiny granules can easily become caught in your zipper’s teeth and jam it up. Use a silicone lubricant spray on your zippers to keep them sliding freely.

Inaudible Music

Problem: Your boat comes with a great sound system that allows you to hook up your favorite playlists via Bluetooth, but you’re not really hearing any music due to the wind and engine noise.

Solution: Attach the speaker to an external speaker that’s amplified, making your music much louder and easier to hear over the sounds of your boat.

Foggy Windows

Problem: Your cabin’s windows are all fogged up and impossible to see through.

Solution: Apply some glass cleaner with a damp rag that will create a film to resist condensation. Condensation generally occurs when there’s a temperature difference between the interior and exterior; for example, if it’s a muggy, warm night and you’re running the air conditioner in your cabin.

Remember: if you’re having boat problems and you feel that your craft could use some professional attention, you’ll want to contact the service department here at The Harbor. Our team of mechanics can help address any problems with your boat. If you’re looking for boats for sale, visit our dealership in Branson, MO, to check out our fine selection of new and used boats. The Harbor Boat & Yacht Sales proudly serves the cities of Springfield and Kansas City, MO.