Boat Prep

[AZBoatDreamer]

I think I spend more time preping the boat for a day on the lake then the time spent on the Lake.

I think I'm obsessive. I bring the Boat home from the RV Storage. I clean the boat inside, outside, check fluids, Belts and Hoses. I make sure everything is working and run the Motor on the Muffs. I check the trailer tires, and surge brake fluids. Next I wash and check everything on the Tow Vehicle.

After all that load the Boat with Food and drinks and everthing Else Needed. I have big list before heading out to the lake.

Does anyone feel preping the boat for a day at the lake nearly more time then actually the time spent on the Lake.

"My wife says why are you washing and cleaning the boat. Its just going to get dirty anyway"

Maybe its my pride have a Nice clean looking boat at the lake.

Thanks for reading. I had to get this off my chest. I feel better now.

 

[gstrom11]

Re: Boat Prep

I do clean it up before we go out, but the difference for us is the boat is in the garage, and the lake is across the street (deeded access, no boat launch but dock to dock at), the launch is on the other side of the lake. So from hook up to splash is about 10 minutes or so. So I usually dink around with it during the week so it's ready for the weekend.

Boats should be clean though so I think you're all right.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Prep

to each his own. I'd agree that you are obsessive. I'd rather spend the time boating.

Checking all the fluids, etc is excessive if you checked them recently--do you check the belts, fluids and oil in the car twice a week?

Cleaning is usually better done after boating than before.

PS washing the tow vehicle does not improve you boat's performance.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Boat Prep

There is a certain pride that comes from pulling up to the launch in a clean tow vehicle knowing your boat is clean too. If you get to the point to where you're not going boating because you don't want to do all the prep work, then you've gotten too carried away.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Prep

Hee Hee thanks for replies.

No I do not check everythink on the Car like I should. Guilty here.

I was the boat after just to get the lake water off. Sitting in outside storage the Boat gets dirty even in the Inside. Dust manages to get inside even with a Fully covered.

I have to wash the tow vehicle because its gets Jelous. A clean boat and a dirty tow vehicle just doesn't look right.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Prep

snip If you get to the point to where you're not going boating because you don't want to do all the prep work, then you've gotten too carried away.

No I haven't gotten to that Point TG.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Boat Prep

Mine is kept covered in the driveway. I clean it from bow to stern, interior and hull after each launch. The boat is actually cleaner than the day I bought it new! It (cleaning) is all part of the overall boating experience /process / therapy that I derive from it. May sound weird but I enjoy the cleaning process ALMOST as much as being on the water. Nothing wrong with your pride of ownership so long as it doesn't stop you from actually using the boat IMHO.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Boat Prep

I take down my canvas, open the cabin and hatches, check the fluids, belts, hoses and bilge areas, run the blowers, and let the motors come up to temp before leaving the dock. After coming back in I close the boat back up, but don't usually wash it. I will however wash it on those off days we are just hanging out on the dock. I also vacuum it out from time to time, but not everytime.

Maybe having a trailer boat changes things, but when I get to the dock, it's hard to do work, then I can enjoy the boat instead.

 

[emoney]

Re: Boat Prep

I remove all the screws, polish them to a shine, and then re-install them in the entire boat, every time I take it out. Also, I like to put new seals around the windshield once a month and we change the carpeting out at least annually.

Ok, those are all lies. The truth is, I spray the salt water off the hull when she's up on the lift and try to clean up at least the biggest piles of fish guts. Outside of that..........

 

[boatdiver2011]

Re: Boat Prep

I spend a lot of time fussing over mine as well.checking every fluid and belt makes sense before every time out IMO, after all there is no worse feeling than being stuck miles out on a big body of water! I'll take the time before each trip, it leads to less surprises.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Prep

I spend a lot of time fussing over mine as well.checking every fluid and belt makes sense before every time out IMO, after all there is no worse feeling than being stuck miles out on a big body of water! I'll take the time before each trip, it leads to less surprises.

Exactly.

I do all this checking because I do not want to get stuck in the Middle of the Lake. Also I do not want my tow vehicle breaking down with Boat in tow.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Boat Prep

The way I see it, working on a boat is pleasure. I wish I had more time.

If it makes you happy, if it relieves stress... keep doing what you're doing.

If you think you're doing to much, then cut back. That's something only you can figure out for yourself. Just do what makes you feel happy and secure on the water.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Boat Prep

The way I see it, working on a boat is pleasure. I wish I had more time.

If it makes you happy, if it relieves stress... keep doing what you're doing.

If you think you're doing to much, then cut back. That's something only you can figure out for yourself. Just do what makes you feel happy and secure on the water.

It does make me happy to have the boat looking clean and prestine. My wife doesn't get it. She put this bug in my ear with her comments about spending so much time cleaning and preping just to get it dirty.
If it never gets clean then it will start to look crappy.

 

[Mainiac Boater]

Re: Boat Prep

I remove all the screws, polish them to a shine, and then re-install them in the entire boat, every time I take it out. Also, I like to put new seals around the windshield once a month and we change the carpeting out at least annually.

QUOTE]

That was a funny reply

 

[Fed up]

Re: Boat Prep

my boat gets a vacuuming and a wipe down about once a week pending that I plan on using it that weekend. Mine stays under a carport most of the time so it is just dust and some leaves that get blown in. But the batteries are always on a smart charge. I to clean mine, but my tow vehicle looks rought, ie it is always dirty and dusty due to driving it to work. so the boat is shiny and the truck is dusty or has a bit of mud on it.

All I am worried about is fishing and boating, I am not overly concerned with what others think of my toys.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Prep

despite my comments, I do understand the pleasure from a clean boat, and the reward of a good hard cleaning session--good therapy while you're doing it, great satisfaction afterwards. Did mine last weekend, Friday night and Saturday morning. but since it feels so good, I save it up and do it just twice a year. Keeps it special.

 

[Fed up]

Re: Boat Prep

but since it feels so good, I save it up and do it just twice a year. Keeps it special.

this is my thoughts on my tow rig....

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Boat Prep

Boat, trailer, and outdrive is clean and polished up everytime we go out. Fluids are checked everytime we go out. A checklist is kept on the garage wall, and checked EACH time we go out. My truck is kept clean ALL the time.

I always felt like the way I looked at the ramp when I drove up reflected a little bit about me. (Guess I'm a nut).

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Boat Prep

Wash mine twice a year once when it comes out of storage and once when it goes back in. Otherwise I check the oil and lube every once in a while out and vacuum it if there is something on the carpet. Other than that it gets hitched up and pulled out of the garage, tower raised and that is it.

The tow vehicle gets washed a few times a year in the automatic car wash. Its a truck and it gets treated like one.

 

[kailec00]

Re: Boat Prep

Mine is kept at the house with the bow and cockpit covers on. My prep is to remove the covers, make sure the kids did not remove the life jackets and other safety items. I inflate the tubes, put the wakeboard and kneeboard in the boat and take off.
We usually take the boat out every weekend and 2 or 3 times during the week. We are only about 5 min from house to ramp. I will wipe the outside down every couple of weeks and make sure the inside is good to go. I keep it looking clean, but I do not wash it every time as we use it so much there is no need.
I will wash it real good before putting it up for storage and then when I take it out I will wash and wax her real good. That is about all I do though.


I think that if it makes you happy and feel good, then keep on washing and prepping your boat as much as you want.