Boat maintenance

Daily and weekly checks

Battery monitoring

• Check your battery voltage daily if off-grid.
• Top up leisure batteries (if lead-acid) with distilled water as needed.
• Use a battery monitor to track charging and discharging.

Engine checks

• Oil level: Use the dipstick and top up with correct grade if low.
• Coolant level: Check header tank or expansion bottle.
• Belt tension: Ensure alternator belt isn’t too loose or tight.
• Visual inspection: Look for leaks, corrosion, or cracked hoses.
• Bilge check: Ensure there’s no excessive water or oil in the engine bilge.

Monthly maintenance

Stern gland greasing

• The stern gland prevents water entering the boat where the propeller shaft exits the hull.
• Turn the greaser knob (or use a grease gun) a few twists every day you cruise, and monthly if Take care not to over grease.

Weed hatch inspection

• Check the weed hatch (directly above the propeller) for tangled weeds, plastic, or fishing line.
• Always turn off the engine and isolate the battery before opening.

Water pump & filter

• Check water pump for signs of leaking.
• Clean or replace the water pump’s mesh filter.

Engine service (every 200-250 hours or annually)
This includes:

• Oil change (and replace oil filter).
• Fuel filter replacement.
• Air filter cleaning or replacement. Gearbox oil check and change if needed.
• Lubricate linkages and throttle cables.

Flue & stove maintenance

• Clean out the chimney and flue using a wire brush.
• Inspect the stove rope seals and glass.
• Check for cracks in the fire bricks or signs of corrosion.

Fuel system

• Top up diesel tanks to prevent condensation forming.
• Add fuel treatment to prevent diesel bug over winter.

Water tank flush

• Drain and flush the fresh water tank at least twice a year.
• Consider adding purifying solution or a weak Milton solution if there’s any odour or taste.

Wood burning / solid fuel stove servicing

Recommended frequency: Annually, especially before winter.
What needs doing:

• Check flue and chimney for creosote buildup.
• Inspect seals, fire bricks, and door rope for wear.
• Check stove is properly secured and clearances to combustibles are safe.
• Poor installation or maintenance can lead to chimney fires or carbon monoxide leaks.
• A qualified engineer will ensure your stove complies with BS8511, the safety code for solid fuel stoves on boats.

Gas system servicing (LPG)

Recommended frequency: Every 1 year, or if you suspect a leak.
What needs doing:

• Inspect regulator, hoses, bubble tester, and shutoff valves.
• Pressure test for leaks.
• Replace rubber gas hoses every 5 years (sooner if signs of cracking, swelling, or softness).
• This is a legal requirement under the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS).
• Only a Gas Safe engineer with marine LPG certification should work on your system.

Engine servicing (advanced work)

• Injector servicing.
• Fuel system bleeding.
• Head gasket issues.
• Timing chain/belt replacement.

AC shore power systems

DC (12V) work is often DIY-friendly, but 240V AC requires specialist knowledge.

Recommended frequency: Every 3 – 5 years or if fault suspected.
Get a Marine Electrician to:

• Inspect shore power connections, RCDs, and fusing.
• Test bonding and earthing.
• Ensure compliance with BS EN ISO 13297 (electrical systems on boats).

Hull blacking & anodes

Recommended frequency:

• Blacking: Every 2 – 3 years.
• Professionals can clean, prep, and apply multiple coats of bitumen or epoxy properly.
• Anodes: Inspect annually, replace when ~50% worn.
• Also check for pitting, galvanic corrosion, and steel thickness.