boat parked at marina for maintenance

Secrets To A Happy Boat | 4 Basics Of Boat Maintenance

Boats need love too…

Just like your car, your boat requires regular care and maintenance to keep it in optimal condition. And, with appropriate upkeep, it will last for several years and bring great memories to you and your family—whether using it on seas, rivers, or lakes.

However, boat care and maintenance isn’t just about inspecting a vessel visually before heading out into the waters. It’s also about caring for a boat after every trip and diligently following a maintenance schedule.

man riding in fishing boat

If you are not familiar with what is involved in boat maintenance, don’t fret! Most boat maintenance-related tasks don’t require a specialist.

In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of boat maintenance. We’ll show you how to keep your boat in excellent condition, like it brand new.

After all, if you can take care of your boat, you’ll be able to enjoy being in the water whenever you want.

Boat Maintenance List

Let’s take a look at a boat maintenance to-do list, so that you can keep your boat in top shape:

1. Keep Your Boat’s Exterior Clean

Keeping your boat’s exterior clean is important for reasons other than just looking good. 

First, having a clean boat helps prevent the spread of harmful and/or invasive species. It’s difficult to know what animal or plant has stuck to your boat, so it’s important to clean the boat, to ensure that you get rid of them, as to protect other bodies of water. 

man wearing black waterproof suit while pressure washing boat hull

Cleaning your boat’s exterior is an important part of boat maintenance that not only keeps your boat’s finish in good shape, but also prevents you from transporting invasive species to other bodies of water.

Second, having a clean boat keeps the boat structure protected by ensuring its finish is intact. For example, as time passes, the salt content of the sea will cause erosions, abrasions, and scratches, which could be too expensive to repair.

Third, a spotlessly clean vessel can save you money. If your boat’s hull is dirty, fuel costs may increase by up to 30%!

2. Keep Your Boat’s Upholstery Clean

At a minimum, you should clean your boat’s upholstery once every six months.

boat upholstery in fancy boat

High-quality boat upholstery is often resistant to sun damage, mildew, and mold. However, it can be subject to bubbling, cracking, and fading if it isn’t properly maintained. Plus, mildew and mold can make your upholstery smell bad and appear unkempt.

Follow these simple tips below when cleaning your boat’s upholstery. And, if this is too much for you, you can always ask professional boat cleaning services for help.

Here’s how to clean your boat’s upholstery:

  • Grab a brush with soft bristles and sweep the crevices and cracks of the upholstery. Make sure to get rid of any crumbs and hair strands.
  • To eradicate mold and mildew, create a vinegar solution (two parts water and three parts white vinegar). Use a spray bottle to apply the solution and let it soak for several minutes.
  • Rinse the vinegar solution with warm water. You may use a sponge to wipe down surfaces, too. 
  • Consider applying tea tree oil or baking soda if there’s stubborn mildew or mold. However, be more careful when it comes to stitching. Wipe and dry the excess using a microfiber cloth.
  • Lastly, apply a marine protection solution. This provides UV protection to prevent sun damage.

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Types of boat tops explained HERE!

3. Store Your Boat

Storage is another critical part of boat maintenance. Most boat owners don’t use their vessels for 12 months a year. So, they must store them when the boating season reaches its finale. Learning how to store and winterize your boat may help prolong its lifespan. 

yacht boat at marina

There are many ways to store your boat, depending on where you live. Storage fees typically range from USD$50 to USD$200 per foot—when in season. 

Clean crappie like a pro HERE!

During winter, you need to keep your boat away from ice, moisture, and snow. However, you shouldn’t seal it airtight, because it requires proper airflow to prevent mildew growth. Also, fuel and fluid lines must be clear to ensure that chemicals don’t destroy anything.

  • On The Water Storage: This is a good option for warmer climates. Most marinas and harbors will let you store your boat all year round.
  • Outdoor Storage: This is a cost-effective boat storage solution. Hire a pro to wrap your boat to ensure optimum protection and airflow. 
  • Indoor Storage: You can store your boat in your garage if you have ample spare space. Or you can rent a storage unit if your budget allows it.

Prepare your boat for storage with these simple tips:

  • Check all hoses and replace those that are damaged.
  • Replace inline fuel filters.
  • Clean the propeller and its shaft, and make sure to lubricate them properly.
  • Flush the waterlines and engine using clean water.
  • Remove spark plugs and lubricate the holes.
  • Fill the tank with fuel and add an antibacterial stabilizer.
  • Remove the battery and keep it to preserve the charge.
  • Remove all electronics and carpets.

Following these tips before you store your boat for a long time will help preserve its condition correctly.

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Kayak types compared right HERE!
Give RV camping a try… learn more HERE!

4. Follow The Boat Maintenance Checklist

Mechanic installing speed boat engine

Here’s a basic boat maintenance checklist below to help you keep track of the boat parts that may require attention…

Boat Maintenance Checklist:

  • Engine: Inspect for loose belts and cracked hoses and replace them immediately. And, check to ensure that the outboard motor is secured. 
  • Propeller: If your boat has a stern drive or outboard motor, make sure you check the propeller before launching. Inspect the nut and tighten it using a deep socket wrench if necessary.
  • Battery: Like every vehicle, the battery is the heart of the boat. Without it, the engine and other electrical components won’t start. Check your battery once a year and inspect its charge with a multimeter, and also check connectors for corrosion. 
  • Bilge Pump: The bilge is a part where excess water accumulates, and the bilge pump removes it. So, if it doesn’t work properly, your boat might sink. You can also buy a backup pump in case of emergency.
  • Electrical Lines: Inspect electrical lines for deterioration, as they could become a fire hazard. Always keep them clean to ensure that everything works fine.
  • Oil And Filter: Change the oil and filter whenever necessary, according to manufacturer’s recommendations. If you don’t, some engine parts may get damaged. 
  • Fluid Levels: To ensure optimal boat performance, check other fluid levels occasionally, such as coolant and power steering fluids.
Learn to choose the right fishing guide HERE!

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Final Thoughts On Boat Maintenance

boat in water with motor running

Proper boat maintenance may help your vessel perform better. By using the checklists and information above, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.

If you need an extra hand, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are a number of companies like Seakeeper Maintenance, or other boat service providers that can help guarantee the best condition of your boat parts.

Enjoy your time on the water!

fishing guide and man with large fish

Fishing Guides | How To Choose One That Will Make Your Adventure One To Remember!

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, Fishing

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, it’s hard to beat fishing.

However, if you’re a first-timer and are looking to make the most out of your fishing experience, hiring a fishing guide may be just the answer.

How to Find The Best Fishing Guide

fishing guide helping

An excellent fishing guide can make all the difference in your fishing experience. These professionals can give you valuable knowledge about finding the best fishing spots, ensuring an enjoyable and safe day on the water, and of course, helping you catch more fish!

Each fishing guide is different, and selecting a guide who fits your fishing trip needs is crucial.

To help you choose wisely, here are some of the ways to choose a reputable fishing guide…

Know Your Preferences And Goals

Before searching for a fishing guide, you must know what you wish to achieve during your fishing trip.

Do you want to catch a specific kind of fish? Or, do you prefer a particular type of fishing, such as winter season ice fishing, fly fishing, or even noodling?

These are some factors you should consider before starting your selection process. Create a list of your preferences and goals so you can choose a guide who’ll do everything they can to address them.

St Laurent fishing guide service

Ask The Ones In The Know

Even with the internet, word of mouth can still be the most valuable information when it comes to fishing guides.

5 men on fishing guide boat

Some of your friends or family members who enjoy fishing might have worked with a fishing guide before. If so, don’t hesitate to ask them for help. They may be able to connect you with an incredible fishing guide you would not have found otherwise.

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Browse Online And Social Media Platforms

In today’s digital world, almost all people have an online presence. With that in mind, it’s wise to browse online and social media platforms when choosing a guide.

Most reliable guides may have their own website and social media profiles to make booking easy and engage with clients smoothly.

man holding speckled sea trout wearing N1 Outdoors hat

Most reliable fishing guides may have their own website and social media profiles to make booking easy and engage with clients smoothly. However, just because a fishing guide service has its own website or social media presence, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s credible. This is why you must do a background check of sorts, as you browse their pages, to ensure you’re dealing with a legit professional.

However, just because a guide service has its own website or social media presence, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s credible. This is why you must do a background check of sorts, as you browse their pages, to ensure you’re dealing with a legit professional.

Some of the things you should consider as you browse the fishing guide’s website or profile are as follows:

  • Reputation – You can determine a guide’s reputation through word-of-mouth, testimonials, or reviews from previous and current clients. These types of feedback reflect the guide’s professionalism, attitude, effort, and personality. So, take time to read reviews and weigh the good and bad things about the guide to help you make the right choice.
  • Insurance Certificates And Licenses – Most fishing guides proudly display their certificates and proof of their license on their social media accounts and websites. If your preferred guide doesn’t have one, never hesitate to ask for the necessary documents that prove their accreditation or licensing.
  • Experience – Read more information about the guide’s experience in the industry. The more years they have worked as fishing guides, the better. This is especially true if it’s your first time going fishing in an unfamiliar area.

Although it takes time to search for a guide based on these factors, it can go a long way to making sure that you’re dealing with a professional who can provide you with quality service and give you the best value for your money. 

Awesome fishing shirts for every angler HERE!

Compare Cost Estimates

As a client, it’s your right to get a detailed cost estimate and compare it to other offers. Regardless of your budget, you should know what you’re paying for when you sign up with your prospective fishing guide.

Be sure that the estimate includes the time period, transportation cost, supplies provided, and other additional fees. If your prospective guide is reliable, they’ll be more willing to offer you the necessary details about their services and charges before they let you sign anything.

Call Before Booking

If you’re still unsure about your choices, another way to select a good fishing guide is to give them a phone call before booking. Doing so will allow you to ask questions and feel the guide’s personality before heading to the fishing area.

If you’re clueless about what questions to ask, browse the guide’s website or social media profile for basic information. Don’t book until you are satisfied with the answers that have been provided to your questions.

Get the inside information on the best catfish baits HERE!

Fishing Guide Focus: Quality Service Over A Cheaper Price

The rates of fishing guides may vary widely, but cheaper isn’t always better. If you don’t want to be disappointed, focus more on getting quality service than the charges.

Other guides are pricey for a reason. It’s often because most of them have a well-established reputation and can guarantee clients the highest possible level of satisfaction as it relates to a successful fishing trip. So, it may be well worth it, even if you pay more than the average market rates.

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So, what’s the BEST live bait for bass?

Know What Makes A Good Fishing Guide

man holding 2 flathead catfish

When choosing a fishing guide, it’s easy to pick one based on the rate and what you see online. But if you want to get the best value for your investment, knowing what makes an excellent guide may come in handy.

Here are the best characteristics of a fishing guide who deserves your time and hard-earned money:

  • Superb Work Ethic – A good guide doesn’t only go out on the water whenever someone hires them. They diligently spend time learning new tactics and searching for the best areas to fish. Guides may even try fishing during their free time to gain helpful tips and tricks that they can give to their clients.
  • Problem-Solving Skills – There will be days when you may not get as many fish as you wish. A characteristic of a good fishing guide is figuring out the problem and showing a determination to catch more fish, or a specific fish you want to catch.
  • Knowledge Of Local Waterways – Experienced guides should be extremely knowledgeable about the local waterways. Whether you’re wading in the water or cruising on a boat, they should know the areas where you can find and catch fish.

When you know the characteristics of a good fishing guide, it’ll be much easier to look around and choose the one you can work with. Aside from the rates and credibility, use the listed traits above as your basis when selecting a guide.

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Benefits Of Having A Good Fishing Guide

Fishing is undoubtedly a great way to relax, enjoy nature, and engage in friendly competition. While you can go fishing yourself or with your friends, having a fishing guide can help you take your fishing to the next level.

Below are some of the advantages of having a fishing guide:

Ensured Safety

One of the perks of working with a fishing guide is that they can help you stay safe throughout your fishing trip. With their knowledge about the fishing area, they know the right spot to go and avoid troubling waters that may pose a threat to your safety. In addition, they can steer clear of obstacles, sandbars, or tides you’re unfamiliar with.

They Can Help You Catch More Fish

While the thought of catching fish is exciting, it may not be as easy as you think. Unless you’re an expert angler already, you might not know about the intricacies of catching more fish.

man wearing N1 Outdoors hat holding rainbow trout

Experienced fishing guides often have years of experience that’ll help you improve your fishing skills. Not only do they know the fish to target, but they know the fishing spot you need to be in too.

Learn Special Techniques From Your Fishing Guide

If you’re afraid of fishing because of a lack of experience, you’ll find the service of a guide useful. These guides can teach you some valuable techniques and lessons to catch a fish and use your fishing equipment well. Plus, they can help you determine the best equipment to catch a specific fish.

You Get Offered Helpful Lure Advice

With the countless fishing equipment and accessories, you’ll find in the market, buying tools can be overwhelming. All the rods, reels, jigs, lines, and lures may look the same to beginners.

But, with a fishing guide, you’ll get helpful advice to ensure a successful fishing trip. And good guides know what works to catch more fish and which items don’t go well together.

It’s called the Trilene knot… Learn it HERE!

Everything’s More Convenient

For a first-timer, it can be inconvenient to learn the basics of fishing, particularly if you really want to go on a quick trip during your free time.

trout flipping

The good thing about working with fishing guides is that they offer convenience to everyone by taking care of the logistical details of the trip. In addition, they handle necessary arrangements, obtain permits and licenses, and provide other fishing equipment. This let’s you focus on, well, catching fish!

These are some of the many advantages of hiring a fishing guide for your trip. Although it is an additional expense, it can make your fishing experience more enjoyable without worrying about safety and other risks.

Check out hunting and fishing tips on the N1 Outdoors YouTube channel!

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Final Thoughts On Fishing Guides

Choosing a fishing guide can make or break your fishing experience. Follow the tips above to help you select the best one for your needs.

Happy fishing and we hope you put a hook N1!

how to tie the trilene knot

Be A Fishing Knot Maestro! | How To Tie The Trilene Knot

The Trilene knot, which is sometimes called the “Two-Turn Clinch Knot,” is a very strong fishing knot that every angler should know. Let’s show you how step-by-step!

trilene knot finished

Want to learn this strong fishing knot called the Trilene Knot? Well, let’s get started!

Time needed: 1 minute.

How to tie the Trilene Knot

  1. Insert tag end of line through hook eye.

    Insert line through hook eye, leaving about 8 inches to work with.

    trilene knot insert line into hook eye

  2. Insert tag end through the hook eye a SECOND time.

    Insert the line through the eye of the hook a second time, making a loop.

    trilene knot Insert into hook eye second time

  3. Pull tag end to make loop smaller.

    Pull the tag end of the line until the loop shrinks down to the top of your thumb and hold the loop in that position.

    trilene knot pull line to thumb

  4. Wrap tag end line around main line.

    Wrap the tag end of the line around the main line 5-8 times.

    trilene knot wrap line around 5-8 times

  5. Insert tag end through both loops.

    After wrapping the tag end around the main line, take the tag end and insert it through both loops that you have been holding with your other hand.

    trilene knot insert tag end through both loops

  6. Lubricate and cinch down.

    Lubricate the knot area with water or saliva and while holding the tag end, pull the main line to cinch down the knot.

    trilene knot pull line to cinch knot

  7. Trim tag end.

    Trim the tag end of the line to desired length… and you’re done! You’ve just tied the Trilene knot! We hope you put a hook N1!

    trilene knot trim tag end

May all your Trilene knots yield big fish!

Learn what makes a great fishing guide HERE!

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You can check out the Trilene Knot Instructional video here!

Other fishing knots you should know:

Learn to tie the Uni-knot

Learn to tie the Palomar knot

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