An old joke claims that the two best days in the life of a boat owner are the day the boat is purchased and the day the boat is sold. While it may be true that there's a great deal of maintenance that comes with your ownership responsibilities, some preventative actions can be taken to minimize your stress.
One of the simplest and yet most important is consistently examining your boat's finish. When the finish wears down, you see the potential for damage of your paint and your structure in ways that could eventually threaten your boat's structure. Following the tips below will be a great way to make sure your finish is properly inspected and well maintained.
Check For Star Cracks
While many people perceive the ocean as a totally open and free space, there's a large amount of flotsam and jetsam that can threaten damage to your hull. Subtle impacts can become growing cracks, and small punctures can develop into serious issues that pose a real concern for your vessel.
Star shaped cracks in your finish are a tell tale sign that there's damage that may be spreading throughout your structure. You should be sure to inspect below those cracks thoroughly for any damage. If your vessel is ever used in salt water, you should be especially vigilant, as you may be at risk of corrosion.
Examine Discoloration
A bright finish on your boat will make it much more attractive, but it also acts as a bulwark against warning signs of damage. Your finish, when properly applied, will be a consistent color and thickness that shouldn't be distorted or discolored.
If you do notice discoloration, it's likely a sign that water has seeped into the vessel and is causing damage that may just now be starting to become visible. If you check discolored areas in your finish, it's likely that you'll find surrounding damage that needs to be addressed in a hurry.
Inspect Edges
Sharp edges, changes in materials, and other areas of contrast in your boat's surface may be particularly vulnerable to wear and damage. Indeed, some vessels aren't designed with much consideration for the potential for wear, and the edges are likely to be the first place where that wear displays itself. By keeping an eye for any flaking or peeling of your boat's finish around the sharp edges, you can make sure that you stay watertight and stay comfortably ahead of any potential concerns.
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