Answer the Riddle: Where Do You Take a Sick Boat

Just like people, boats can get sick, too. Boats require regular maintenance and care to stay healthy, from engine troubles to structural issues. But what do you do when your vessel is under the weather? Where exactly should you take a sick boat to get it back in shipshape? Let’s dive in and explore the different options for boat rehab.

Table of Contents

Recognizing When Your Boat Needs Help

The first step is identifying when something is wrong with your boat in the first place. Here are some common signs your boat may be ailing:

Strange engine noises, trouble starting up, a lack of power, or smoke or fumes coming from the motor can indicate mechanical problems.
We are taking on water from external leaks or internal bilge pump issues. Look for water sloshing around inside or pooling in the bilge.
You damaged steering components like the rudder or propeller. You’ll notice more difficult maneuvering.
Cracks, holes, or delamination in the fiberglass hull. Check for soft spots or swelling on the exterior.
I am peeling antifouling paint or excessive marine growth like barnacles or algae. It’s time for a new paint job.
Corrosion, rust, or other deterioration on metal components. This can lead to part failure over time.
Mold, mildew, or water stains inside the cabin. Signals moisture issues.

If you spot any of these problems, it’s in your boat’s best interest to get them addressed right away before further damage occurs. Just like with our health, it’s better to be proactive.

The Boat Doctor: Mechanics and Repair Shops

The boat version of a visit to the doctor’s office takes it to a marine mechanic or boat repair shop. Just like doctors specialize in human medicine, mechanics diagnose and treat issues with boat engines and systems. A mechanic can pinpoint the exact problem and perform repairs to get your motor running smoothly again.

Look for a reputable, experienced mechanic shop in your area that works on your particular make and model of boat. Check reviews online and ask fellow boaters for recommendations. Many mechanics will even make house calls to service boats right at the dock. This avoids the hassle of transporting your boat to the shop.

Some common repairs mechanics can perform include:

Engine servicing – oil changes, tune-ups, filter, and spark plug replacements.
I am diagnosing power issues – compression tests, fuel injector cleaning, and starter repairs.
Drive system maintenance – sealing propeller shafts, adjusting trim tabs and steering cables.
Electrical troubleshooting – tracing faulty wiring, installing new batteries, updating switch panels.
Plumbing fixes – clearing clogged hoses, replacing broken through-hull fittings, pump repairs.
Fiberglass patching – sealing cracks and holes above or below the waterline. I am applying protective coatings.

Think of the mechanic as your boat’s primary care physician, performing general maintenance and repairs as needed. They have the skills and tools to diagnose most ailments.

The Boat Hospital: Shipyards and Marinas

For more intensive care and procedures, the boat hospital equivalent is a full-service shipyard or boatyard. These are urgent care clinics or surgery centers for treating major boat problems. Jobs that mechanics can’t handle in the driveway often require a trip to the shipyard.

Common reasons to take your boat to a shipyard include:

Structural damage – hull breaches, keel problems, severe fiberglass delamination. Requires hauling the boat out of the water.
Major repainting or refinishing – stripping old antifouling paint, applying new, and revarnishing brightwork.
Extensive repairs – mast replacement, major engine overhauls, comprehensive corrosion treatment.
Winter storage – climate-controlled indoor storage facilities to protect boats.
System upgrades – generator installation, tank replacement, new electronics, complete rewiring.
Restorations – for vintage boats, full interior refits, deck replacement, and historic preservation.

The shipyard has heavy-duty hoists, dry docks, a large workspace, and skilled crews to manage more significant boat projects. Think of them as the emergency room, surgery, and ICU for critically ill vessels. They can save boats that mechanics’ workshops can’t accommodate.

Many shipyards also have mail service departments for essential repairs and sales centers for browsing new and used boats. So they are one-stop shops for all your boating needs. Look for a reputable shipyard in your region specializing in your boat type. Check their expertise, equipment, customer reviews, and costs.

The Boat Spa: Detailers and Divers

If your boat’s issues are cosmetic, consider treating it to a day at the boat spa. Boat detailing services clean and refresh the exterior and interior to get your vessel looking its best again.

Interior detailers thoroughly shampoo carpets and upholstery, sanitize heads and galleys, remove stains, polish metal fixtures, and make the interior sparkle.

Exterior detailers polish and wax the hull, clean off waterline scum, restore faded gel coat, and clean teak decking and brightwork. They’ll have it gleaming like new again.

Underwater divers also offer hull cleaning services. They use brushes and scrapers to remove barnacles, algae, and other marine fouling below the waterline, improving speed, fuel efficiency, and aesthetics.

Think of detailers and divers as akin to hair stylists, manicurists, facialists, and masseuses at the spa. They provide pampering care to renew your boat’s appearance and cleanliness. A biannual or seasonal detailing keeps your boat looking great and prevents deterioration.

Home Boat Remedies

Similar to home remedies and over-the-counter medications we use, there are some essential boat remedies you can administer at home, too. This helps treat minor ailments without a complete service visit:

Apply wax or compounds by hand to fix light scratches and oxidation. Start with mild polishing first.
Hose off the debris and growth from the hull, deck, and waterline using a dockside water supply.
Use engine fogging oil when winterizing to prevent corrosion in off-season storage. Run it through the motor.
Fill small fiberglass cracks and scratches with epoxy resin kits. Available at marine supply stores.
Change fuel filters and fluids like engine oil and lower unit lubricants per manufacturer recommendations.
Recharge dead batteries by connecting to shore power or buying a portable charger.
Use biodegradable hull cleaners and teak products to prep for detailing.

Think DIY home remedies you can perform without special tools or skills. But it is best to still defer to the experts for anything significant.

Choosing the Best Treatment Course

Determining where to take a sick boat depends on the severity of issues and required skills. Here are some guidelines on when to use each option:

Minor repairs and tune-ups –> Schedule a mobile mechanic.
Major systems failures or equipment issues –> Visit the boat repair shop.
Structural damage or restoration needs –> Haul out for shipyard repairs.
Cosmetic refresh and deep cleaning –> Hire detailers or divers.
Basic upkeep and light issues –> Administer DIY home remedies.
Urgent problems away from port –> Towboat to the nearest facility.

Have a trusted arsenal of marine professionals you work with regularly. This ensures you get prompt help whenever health issues arise. Your boat can enjoy a long life on the water with proper care.

Conclusion

Much like people, boats require ongoing care and maintenance to stay healthy. Being proactive in addressing problems early prevents more severe issues down the road. Finding a team of trusted marine professionals for mechanical, structural, and cosmetic care is vital to keeping your vessel safe and reliable in the long run.

Make hauling your boat for yearly checkups and addressing nagging problems immediately a priority. This catches underlying issues before they become dire and costly. Think of it as getting your boat’s routine physical or checkup with preventative care and addressing acute ailments.

Have your mechanic thoroughly inspect the engine, electronics, pumps, and moving parts. Hauling out at the shipyard allows close examination of the hull, keel, rudder, and below-waterline components. Detailers care about aesthetics.

No boat owner likes the hassle and expense of repairs, but it comes with the territory. Fortunately, highly skilled marine professionals can properly treat whatever ails your vessel. Keep your boat’s checkups and vitamins current so you can continue enjoying smooth sailing for years to come!

FAQs

1. Does boat insurance cover repairs?

Many policies cover mechanical breakdowns and physical damage minus your deductible. But wear and tear issues are usually excluded. Review policy terms to see what is covered before hauling out.

2. Is it safe to operate a boat with minor issues?

It depends on the exact issue. Small problems like minor gel coat cracks or dead electronics may be safe. But anything affecting maneuverability, flooding risk, or engine failure should be addressed immediately. When in doubt, head to the repair shop.

3. How often should routine maintenance be done?

It varies by boat usage and component, but most engine and systems maintenance should happen annually before launching each season. Hull cleaning and detailing can happen every six months as needed. Address issues as they appear.

4. Can I perform my repairs and maintenance?

Some DIY work, like flushing engines, changing fluids, and applying finishes, may be manageable. But more complex repairs involving hull integrity, electrical systems, etc., are best left to trained mechanics. Know your limits.

5. Do all shipyards offer the same services?

Shipyards have varying capabilities based on their size, equipment, and expertise. Some focus on certain boat types and services. Check what each yard offers before taking your boat in for major repairs. Get quotes for cost and time.