Typical annual maintenance

[bobbyg123]

Hi everyone. My first post on here after years of lurking. I'm slowly starting to ramp up my learning curve in preparation of our first boat purchase here in a year or two. I recently went through a similar process when we bought our first travel trailer almost 2 years ago, so hopefully my questions won't be TOO annoying. Impossible from a newbie, I know...

We're looking to get a bowrider in the 19-21 foot range, and the first question that I have for you is how much (typical) yearly maintenance is required to keep your boats in tip-top shape? How often do you take it in for service? How much maintenance do you do on your own? How much money do you spend each year on these types of costs? I'm looking to buy a boat that's anywhere from 1-4 years old, and I'd like to avoid (or at least be prepared for) the dreaded sterotypes such as a boat being a giant hole in the water that you pour money into, or the 2 best days are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. For the most part, our camper has been trouble free. It requires a fair amount of upkeep in terms of washing, keeping the gel coat in good shape, tightening loose screws, etc.; however it's pretty hands off mechanically speaking. I guess what I'm ultimately asking is how mechanically reliable are marine engines?

Thanks, and I look forward to chatting with everyone in the months ahead.

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

I do nearly everything myself. I figure, if anything goes wrong on the water hopefully I'll know how to repair it at least well enough to get back to the dock.

Cosmetically you'll probably do the same for the boat as you do for the RV: Wash & wax. Keep a coat of wax on it so it doesn't chalk, or you'll be wet sanding and power buffing. Use the appropriate polishes on the metal, and a good vinyl cleaner/protectant like 3M 303. If it has carpeting keep it vacuumed or washed. Don't let people step on the seats with sneakers or shoes -- one pebble caught in a sneaker is all it takes to permanently damage the vinyl. A dropped cigarette is even worse because vinyl burns easily.

Don't forget about the bilge. Fill it with a few inches of water and biodegradable detergent once a year and swish it around with a sponge. Pump it overboard (or into the driveway) to clean out the pump lines.

If the engine is inboard inspect the blower hoses and vents for cuts.

Check the battery connections before every trip. A quick look-see and touch to make sure they're not corroded or loose. Check the fluid levels in the batteries regularly.

Mechanically, once-a year lubrication of the linkages is necessary using the proper greases. Steering ram, throttle, and transmission cables are usually part of it. Check fluid levels regularly: Oil, power steering, drive hydraulic, and antifreeze if it's a closed cooling system. Change the engine oil and filter at the recommended intervals. Change the outdrive gear lube at least once a year. If it's milky it means there's water getting in, and that's a call to a mechanic.

Every couple of years it's a good idea to change out the water pump impeller and fuel filter. I also change the thermostats since they're so cheap.

For the winter, fresh water and holding tanks get drained and lines filled with RV antifreeze (just like your RV). Sta-Bil goes in the gas tank. The engine and lower unit also get drained and filled with AF. Batteries get removed and put on maintenance chargers in the garage.

With the exception of the impeller this is all stuff you should be able to learn to do yourself. It will save you thousands. If you're mechanically inclined, buy a service manual and save the cost of it the first time you do something.

Oh, and don't forget to put in the drain plug!

I'm sure I've forgotten something because I don't have my checklist handy. It seems like a lot, but it really averages out to one or two weekends per season and a few minutes before every outing.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Maintenance depends on where you are geographically.

Welcome to iboats.

If you are up north then winterizing is very important. Proper storage of the boat during off season is a big key to keeping it nice.

Outboard motor's (2 stroke) are usually lower maintenance then most boats followed by 4 stroke OB and then I/O.

The other key item in my book is who does the maintenance that is required. If you are good with tools then DIY is the key. Purchase a service manual for the power plant and DIY.

A 1-4 year old boat should be in perfect shape. As an example...... there should be No rot and No deterioration of the vinyl at that young age.

Have the boat fully inspected before you purchase.

Here on iboats we have it all available.... advice, parts and member's with the knowledge to guide you along.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Luckily winterizing on newer boats is pretty simple. The mercruiser package in my 2005 Bayliner has a couple quick release hoses that you disconnect and push down into the bilge - engine draining completed in less than a minute. Much simpler than the collection of petcocks that was on my previous boat.

Typically I change the oil once per season at the end of the season
Change the gear lube every 2 years - if your boat is moored in the water all the time, then each year might be a better schedule.


Change the impeller and every 4 years or so (last one still looked new after 200+ hours)

Don't forget to check the trailer bearings and keep them full of grease

Keep the boat clean and dry - worst thing that happens to boats is that they get all soggy and scummy from being left out in the elements or under crappy covers.

I do all the maint myself, so cost is pretty minimal.

 

[bobbyg123]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Routine maintenance is something that I won't have a problem keeping up with; however extensive mechanical work isn't something I'm interested in. As far as the engine maintenance is concerned, it doesn't sound like too much more than I'm already doing with my generators and lawn mowers really. I'm up North (Seattle area), so winterizing will be necessary; however with our shorter season I also won't be putting a ton of hours on the boat. I would "assume" that a once a year fluids and inspection check should get me through the year in most cases.

One of the biggest challenges right now is deciding where to keep the boat. We already store our camper off site and pay $85/month to do so because it's 32' long. I'd really like to store the boat at my home, but I don't have a garage that will accommodate it. We have a very mild climate up here in Seattle, and a lot of people store their boats outside. Again, I would "assume" that there are some pretty lock solid canvas tops and full covers available for the off season.

If anyone takes their boat in for annual maintenance, I'd love to how much you typically pay for that so I can gauge their labor costs. Thanks for the replies.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Routine maintenance is something that I won't have a problem keeping up with; however extensive mechanical work isn't something I'm interested in. As far as the engine maintenance is concerned, it doesn't sound like too much more than I'm already doing with my generators and lawn mowers really. I'm up North (Seattle area), so winterizing will be necessary; however with our shorter season I also won't be putting a ton of hours on the boat. I would "assume" that a once a year fluids and inspection check should get me through the year in most cases.

One of the biggest challenges right now is deciding where to keep the boat. We already store our camper off site and pay $85/month to do so because it's 32' long. I'd really like to store the boat at my home, but I don't have a garage that will accommodate it. We have a very mild climate up here in Seattle, and a lot of people store their boats outside. Again, I would "assume" that there are some pretty lock solid canvas tops and full covers available for the off season.

If anyone takes their boat in for annual maintenance, I'd love to how much you typically pay for that so I can gauge their labor costs. Thanks for the replies.

Annual maintenance costs are the least of your worries. I spend three times more on the day to day maintenance.

 

[bobbyg123]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Annual maintenance costs are the least of your worries. I spend three times more on the day to day maintenance.

Such as?

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Different location, different weather conditions but I have had my boat for a year now (bought left over new 2008 in 2009). I have a mercury trained mobile tech that comes to the house for the scheduled maintenance. He charged 420.00 for the 20 hour initial service (remove drive, change gear lube, oil, etc) including parts. He charged my 315.00 for 100 hour service (same as 20 hour but did not remove drive). He is excellent and very responsive. I find his charges very reasonable plus I like to support a guy working hard to start a business. I do all the cleaning (after each outting) and detailing myself. Boat is cleaner today, then when I brought home from the dealer. This probably doesn't help you much but since I just waxed her today....had to tell someone!

Good luck.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Such as?

Annual = $26

LU oil = $8
Plugs =$18

Day to Day, YTD = $700

corroded cockpit light = $40
Battery = $110
Voltage regulator = $240
Brake pads for trailer = $40
Idler hub for trailer = $40
Battery Cable = $25
Wiper Blade = $8
Washdown hose = $25
Fuel filter = $22
Control cables = $150

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

As I think you'll see, it's fairly difficult to pin down what a reasonable average annual maintenance costs might be. The problem is there are too many variables such as:

- Age of the boat
- Initial build quality
- Where used, salt or fresh water
- Geographic location
- How often used
- Where/how is it stored
- Who is it used by and how
- Preferences of the owner
- Owner's need / desire for reliability
- Many more. . .

Just to throw out a number, I'd would guess that in your area and with the types of boats you're considering, you should be prepared to spend $500-$1000 per year.

If that figure shocks or horrifies you, then maybe it's time to reconsider. Seriously, unless you live on an island, boating is a luxury. I've seen many times what happens what happens when people get into boating and then discover they cant afford it. Maintenance gets sloppy or doesn't get done at all, then the boat gets used less and less, then someone forgets to check it after a heavy rain, then. . . . and so on. It takes only a year or so of neglect to do damage that will significantly deflate the sale price, so there's more money lost.

Boating combines two things that are naturally incompatible: Water and mechanical equipment that would really rather not get wet. Maintainance and repairs are inevitable.

Grouse

 

[Beefer]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

The bought I just bought is 26 yrs old. The original owner owned it for 25 yrs, and kept all receipts and records. The guy I bought it from used it as a lawn ornament for a year, and used it only a few times before he lost his job and had to sell.

Anyway, the original owner tracked his annual expenses in the owner's manual. This included all regular maintenance, as well as all repairs. He then did an average annual expense for the entire time he owned it - $756/year. The costs each year varied between $300 and $2200.

We don't winterize here in Central Florida, but from what I'm seeing, it isn't a huge expense.

Don't know if that helped at all, but I thought I'd throw it out there for ya.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Typical annual maintenance

Never say, once I get this one thing fixed, nothing else should go wrong.

Expect a $1000 repair, ten $100 fixes/additions, and a hundred $10 nuisances, in any given year.

Remember your fixed costs: insurance for boat and trailer, storage, licenses (boat, trailer and fishing), personal property taxes.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Typical annual maintenance

and I'd like to avoid (or at least be prepared for) the dreaded sterotypes such as a boat being a giant hole in the water that you pour money into, or the 2 best days are the day you buy it and the day you sell it.

As someone here once said; "It's not a hole. A hole infers a bottom of some sort. A boat is an abyss with no bottom."