Enjoyable boating requires a vessel that is clean and runs smoothly. As a boat owner you know how much work this is and can use all the help you can get. Here are a few tips that may make your boat maintenance a little easier and your sailing time more fun.

Boats stored over the winter, or other prolonged periods of time, tend to develop mildew and musty odors. This means a cleaning headache come spring. One source of this is the refrigerator and freezer. Be sure to give then a good cleaning prior to storage.

Cushions can also be a problem over winter. Storing them in a humidity controlled space will really cut down on the mildew and odor buildup. If that is not possible, then simply standing them up on end will allow more air exposure and reduce mildew.

Drain all the water from the storage tanks. This will reduce corrosion and bacteria growth. Seal off the lines to the tanks to prevent anything unwanted from making its way into the tank during the downtime. Consider putting in a nontoxic antifreeze if the boat will be in a freezing environment.

The most important place on the boat to clean before storage is the bilge. All manner of nasty things can occur if this is left untreated for a long storage period. Use a commercial laundry soap and a brush. Dry it and then apply a light layer of moisture-displacing lubricant.

Remove the battery and store it in a cool dry area. Clean both the battery and the cable terminals with a solution of water and baking soda. Maintain the battery by placing it on a slow trickle charge. Be sure to follow good battery charging safety procedures.

Pump out and flush the toilet holding tank. Your owners manual will advise what chemicals are safe to use for cleaning.

If you notice a leak in a any of the boats tanks, take care of it immediately. Waiting will just allow the leak to cause damage and you will have more problems than you would if you took care of it right away.

Keep your propeller free of marine organisms by applying a layer of waterproof Teflon grease. Keep the toilet seal and parts lubricated by occasionally using a small of cooking oil.

Before storing your boat, be sure to change the fuel filters and water separators. Commercial fuel stabilizers added to a full tank will help prevent condensation building up in the fuel tank.

Keep marine organisms from getting a foothold on your boats hull. Paint the hull with special paint that is toxic to algae, barnacles and other sea organisms. This will keep your boat looking and performing at its best.

Create a maintenance checklist. Start with the recommendations in your owners manual and add in any other steps you deem helpful. This is a little bit of work up front but it be well worth it. Youve got a lot invested in your boat and preventing problems before they start will pay off later.