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Before you spend hundreds of dollars on an expert boat technician, you should find out if you can handle the repairs at home. Boat problems have a way of coming up when you least expect them. Learning some repair tips might save you from a disastrous situation. Some of them are common and can quickly be fixed without a professional technician.
1. Painting the Boat Hull
A poorly painted boat is not ideal; foreign materials and water can easily destroy the paint. That will result in discoloration and weakening of the hull. The next time your boat needs a paint job, try doing it yourself. Before the repair, ensure you apply epoxy glue to any possible holes on the hull. Wear gloves to protect your skin during the process. Remember to sand and apply primer before you paint the hull. You should also pay attention to the finishing touches. It gives the boat a beautiful look, and after you are done.
2. Changing the Boat Propeller
As you can imagine, there won’t be any sailing if the propeller is defective. Luckily you can repair quickly and sail when you want. Once you have a new propeller, preferably a steel one, the process will be easy. A prop puller will help you remove the old propeller. Remember to mark the position of the old propeller before removing it so that you can know where to place the new one. Then loosen the nut, install the new one, and then fix the nut once the new prop is in place. Check the shaft for damages before installing the new one.
3. Installing a Boat Bench Seat
A recreational fishing boat needs a bench seat to optimize the vessel. You first need to create a foundation where the seat will rest. Drill holes on the foundation; ensure you take measurements of the bench seat you want to install before drilling. Use nuts and a screwdriver to install your seat; the nut will prevent the bench from loosening up after a while. Before you start, ensure you have all the tools and an assistant. Once the project is done, test the bench stability to be sure you did a great job. Make corrections where needed to make it more stable.
4. Mending a Fiberglass Boat with Epoxy
Even with a lot of care and precaution, your fiberglass boat is prone to damages. When it happens, you can repair it at home with a few tips. Clear the damaged part for the fiberglass to bond correctly with the hull. Cut the damaged area, then use a cloth to clean any debris, and avoid using chemicals and bleach. Cut the fiberglass patches after measuring the hole and roughen up the areas around the hole. The texture will help with the bonding process. Apply the patches with epoxy, leave it to dry, and then sand the area to remove any imperfections.
5. Repairing Boat Cushions
Every part of the boat is subject to wear and tear. That is why you always need to be prepared with Yamaha outboard parts or any spare parts you might need. To repair the cushion, you will need extra fabric. Remove the torn cushion by cutting it if it was attached using adhesive or removing staples that hold the fabric in place. Place the old fabric on the new one and mark it so that you can get accurate measurements. Once it’s perfectly cut, get it in place and glue it. You should add extra staples to secure the new fabric further.
6. Refinishing a Wooden Boat Deck
The more regularly you maintain wood, the longer it lasts. If your deck needs some tender loving care or repair, you shouldn’t ignore it. Clean the deck first before you start working. Apply wood stripper to remove the varnish finish and the old paint. Using a wide paintbrush to apply it will help you go faster. Scrape the wood afterward and clean again. Sand the deck to get a smooth surface using sandpaper, then apply wood stain. After the stain dries, apply two coats of varnish, and you will have a beautiful finish.
7. Re-Carpeting The Boat’s Trailer
Over time, the carpet’s trailer will start to peel and will need repair. But the carpet will be more effective when replaced whole and not in pieces. Determine the type of carpet installed on the trailer and buy a new one the same size. Remove the old carpet and clean the surface. Glued carpet will demand more effort than a snapped one. Ensure all the carpet is removed, including the small remnants. Once the surface is completely clean, you can install the new carpet carefully.
Conclusion
These are some of the simple repairs you can make at home. When you need spare parts, always ensure you get them from a reliable source. Be careful not to mess up any of the repairs and know when you need professional help.
