Boating can be a real delight, but for responsible boat owners, it is not all fun and games. You cannot just purchase a boat, toss it in the water, and visit it on weekends with no thought to maintaining it. Like any engine, a sterndrive or inboard or outboard engine needs certain care to stay in running order.

While the sterndrive has many advantages, it does have the unfortunate disadvantage of having some vital parts beneath the waterline, such as hoses, rubber bellows, oil lines, and, of course, the propeller which drives the boat. Obviously, it is trickier to examine and maintain at top working condition parts which are beneath the water surface. It is imperative to give these parts proper attention, however, as rust can cause problems. Just as a car has certain parts which will need eventual replacement, like brakes and windshield wipers, certain boat parts need eventual replacement.

One main part that needs to be ooked at is the transom, which, through the drive shaft, powers the engine. The transom can absorb only so much stress and strain without sustaining damage, even when a boat is well maintained and driven only under normal conditions. A problematic transom could cause additional damage to the engine or even sink the boat. Therefore, diligent inspection of the transom is a good idea!

At the beginning and end of each boating season there are certain items which should be tended to. Particularly before winter, the oil should be changed, spark plugs inspected, and the impeller, which performs the important task of cooling the engine, should be checked. It should be regularly inspected during the season as well.

Your boat will give you reliable performance if given the regular care it requires. Boat ownership is a huge responsibility, but the rewards are great. The pleasure of boating-fishing, water skiing, cruising, or just being out in nature taking in the firey glint of sun on water-are worth the work of faithful boat maintenance.