Category Archives: boat service

Is oil analysis a good idea

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This is a good question for not only aircraft owners but ,boat and performance car owners. too.

Question. Is oil analysis a good idea or just a waste of money?
Answer. 
I think it depends on the engine.  Most mechanics would probably agree that a high time engine would benefit from oil analysis.  If you are trying to extend the time between overhauls (TBO),  oil analysis is a must.  Flying your aircraft past TBO can save you a few bucks in the near future but can (but not always) increase the actual cost of the overhaul in the long term.  It could be one of those “pay me now or pay me more later”!  Extended use might damage parts instead of just wearing them down.  

But oil analysis and regular oil changes can help the owner monitor some of the internal conditions of the engine.  Which also means if you start a new engine on the oil analysis program from the very start you can continually monitor the engines wear throughout the years of operation. 

Typically, the average oil change would be sufficient for most owners to check the oil for any contaminants.  The mechanic or owner  who does the oil change should cut the filter, or inspect the oil screen and look for any type of contamination.  If you are looking at an aircraft to buy, and you have the time, an oil analysis would probably offer you finer (no pun intended) details than just the filter or screen test.  In fact, if you find something in the screen or filter it will probably indicate wear or damage that may be significant and might be a indicator that you should do oil analysis.

So in the end, no I do not think it is a waste of money.

Spring Boat Service – Interior

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Interior
Cleaning the interior includes not only the fabric and carpets, but also checking for leaks or signs of damage to the hull, hatches and port holes.  Most interior fabrics can be cleaned with any household fabric cleaner.  Dedicated vinyl cleaners are available for cleaning and protecting the vinyl seats and cushions. 

This is also a time when any wood trim or joinery should be cleaned and protected with an appropriate material such as teak oil, polyurethane, etc.  If your boat happened to develop moisture during the storage, you may need to remove a little mold and mildew from the surfaces.  It’s a good idea to wipe all the surfaces down with an anti bacterial cleaner anyway, even if you don’t see mold spots. 

Once the basic interior is cleaned it is time to look into bilges, under engines and at storage tanks.  Clean the bilges checking for any debris or oil that might have dropped or seeped into the area.  If there is oil in the bilges you have to find the leak before putting the boat in the water.   You will also need to check the bilges pumps for operation.  Make sure you check both the automatic and manual operation if necessary.  If you only have one bilge pump you may want to take the time to install a back up.  If you leave your boat on the water for the season a back up pump can be a lifesaver during a heavy rain.

Of course, while you’re digging around in the bilge areas, check, test and lubricate all the seacock’s.  Make sure you inspect any hoses and clamps. It’s highly recommended that any hoses that are below the waterline get a little extra protection by being double clamped.  This might also be the time to make sure you have a few appropriately sized wooden plugs as emergency stoppers for through hull fittings.

Systems
Depending on the size of your boat the systems could include the head, water galley and electrical components, all of which need to be inspected, cleaned and tested.
If your head is a portable system the checking is pretty simple, make sure the tank is cleaned out, you have chemicals on board and it works. 

If your have a permanent systems, it’s really not much different. The system need to be cleaned and lubricated for smooth operations. The tanks need to be cleaned and maybe even flushed if possible. If you have chemical treatments make sure you have a supply on board and accessible.  If you have to have your own dump hose for the marina, make sure it’s accessible and not damaged or leaking.  

One other thing, if your boat has a Y-valve make sure it is working, labeled for the correct operation and secured in the appropriate position.

The water system is pretty basic. The storage tank needs to be flushed to clean it out. If it was sitting with water in it, you’ll need to run a sanitizer through it.  In fact, you should sanitize the tanks even if you had antifreeze in it.  Using a pool or spa chlorine will remove bacteria and clean the tank.  Once you add the chlorine to the tank, let it sit for a while and then run the water through the system so that the chlorine gets a chance to pass through all the fixtures and drains. 

While running the chlorinated water through the system; inspect the hoses, clamps and pumps for leaks.  At the same time you can test the water heater to make sure it works. But remember; don’t run the water heater without water in it.

After testing the water system you should inspect clean and operate the refrigerator, freezer, stove and any other appliances.  Depending on your individual situation, this might include operating the appliances on the shore power, battery power or “gas” (like propane).  Any gas fittings should be inspected for dirt, damage and leakage.  A small bottle of bubble blowing liquid works great to find leaks in gas line fittings. 

The electrical system inspection and preparation can be quite extensive depending on your specific boat.  Typically you’ll have batteries that need to be inspected and charged. Batteryfluid levels need too be checked and the terminals should be cleaned and lubricated to prevent corrosion.  Fuses, breakers and wiring should be inspected for corrosion, damage, cracks, worn spots, signs of arcing and operation. 


If you have a fishing boat you may have the addition of a cleaning station and live wells. The live wells should be checked for operation and leakage.  Many boats also have a deck fresh water shower or spray system that needs to be tested.