Maintaining Your Boat & Trailer After Saltwater Use
- Captain Marty Goldys
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Whether I am running fishing charters, fishing for fun, or just spending the day on the boat with my family, I always practice the same clean-up procedures with my boat and trailer. Maintaining a boat used in saltwater involves several steps to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity of your vessel. These steps include rinsing your vessel with fresh water after each use, cleaning your vessels hull and engine with appropriate products, and routinely inspecting and lubricating parts, especially those directly exposed to saltwater.
Here's a breakdown of my saltwater boat and trailer maintenance procedures. Likely the single most important step to maintaining your vessel after saltwater us is Rinsing and Cleaning. Immediately after use, rinse your entire boat and trailer with fresh water to remove salt buildup. Some boat owners highly recommend the use of products designed to specifically breakdown Salt enzymes such as Salt-Away, Star Brite, Salt Attack, and/or Salty Captain. Always be sure to focus on Hull Cleaning.
Use a boat-specific soap and a soft brush or sponge to clean the hull and all surfaces of your vessel, paying attention to nooks, crannies, gaps, and corners where Salt can sit undetected.
To ensure your motor lasts, be sure and Flush your Engine after each saltwater use. Flush your engine with fresh water using an earmuff or a dedicated flushing kit designed for your motor.
Be sure to practice Trailer Cleaning after removing your vessel from direct saltwater exposure.
Clean the trailer, including the wheels, tires, axles, lights, winches, rollers, tongue coupler, spare tire hardware, and latches to prevent rust and corrosion. Practice routine Boat and Trailer Inspection and Maintenance. Regularly inspect your boat and trailer for signs of corrosion, especially around metal parts and electrical connections. Always check for appropriate trailer tire pressure. Make immediate repairs where required to prevent additional problems from occurring. Be sure and Lubricate your Boat and Trailer hardware after each saltwater use.
Lubricate hinges, latches, lugs, trailer winches, trailer rollers, Trailer tongue coupler, spare tire hardware, and other moving parts with marine-grade grease. Some boat owners recommend the following brands: Star Brite Grease, Quicksilver Marine Grease, and/or Lucas Oil Products.
Always conduct a Propeller Inspection after heavy boat use or if you suspect damage. Remove the propeller and check for fishing line buildup around the shaft. Have it inspected by a professional boat mechanic if necessary.
Routinely check on your boats Electrical Components. Inspect and maintain electrical wiring, connections, and electronic components for signs of corrosion or damage especially after use in saltwater. Always practice proper Storage and Protection of your vessel. Store your boat in a covered and well-ventilated area when not in use. Use a high-quality boat cover to protect it from UV rays, salt spray, and debris. Most quality boat covers come with a 2-8 year ‘Full-Replacement’ Warranty. I recommend Budge Boat covers as they include a 7 year Warranty on most designs. Apply corrosion inhibitors to metal parts, especially those prone to rust or corrosion. Most boaters will recommend CRC Marine Heavy Duty Corrosion Inhibitor, Corrosion-X, Yamalube-Yamashield, or what I prefer, T-9 Waterproof Lubrication.
Below are additional long-term boat and trailer maintenance considerations. Consider applying bottom paint to the hull of your vessel to help prevent barnacle and other marine organism growth if your vessel remains in the water most of the time (i.e. Not kept in dry storage or on a boat lift). Maintain the boat trailer by checking for rust, corrosion, damage, and ensuring proper lubrication. Schedule routine maintenance with a qualified marine technician/mechanic to address any potential issues keeping your boat and trailer in peak condition.
By following the maintenance tips mentioned above, you can help protect your boat and trailer from the harmful effects of saltwater and ensure its long-term performance and longevity.
To avoid maintenance on your boat and trailer, connect with Captain Marty of Reel Harmony Fishing Charters so you can leave your vessel at home while catching trophy fish on my Pathfinder 2200V. I specialize in nearshore and inshore fishing experiences for all levels of anglers. I provide Family Friendly Fishing Charters that guarantees everyone on board catches fish!
Reel Harmony Fishing Charters
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