Basic Boat Maintenance

Frank Brumbaugh has lived boating and written articles for most of his life. In that time, he has tackled every conceivable problem a boater could ever be confronted with on a boat. For the first time, he has put those years of knowledge into an easy-to-understand book, Basic Boat Maintenance. This book contains a wealth of information any boat owner can use to perform routine maintenance and repairs. Along with this, Frank has provided his recommendation for a time schedule to follow for this work. Basic Boat Maintenance is highly illustrated with graphics showing in detail the steps needed to accomplish most tasks. Additional graphics show the correct charge state for the batteries, a schedule of maintenance, which tasks to complete, and when they should be completed. The information is presented in a straightforward, easy-to-follow writing style. This allows any boater, regardles of skill level, from novice to advanced, to use the information quickly and easily without fear of mistakes during the projects. After completing the book, you will have the confidence to maintain and repair your own boat.

INTRODUCTION
There is always something which needs doing on a boat. No boat owner will dispute the truth of that statement. Some of these jobs must be done right away; others can safely be postponed, but not forgotten. This book is written to sort out the things which need doing, to place them in proper perspective, and to indicate the simplest and easiest ways of accomplishing what has to be done.
If the little things are done while they are still little, they will never become big. Small discrepancies, not important in themselves, can combine to produce a dangerous situation later, or one which will be expensive to eliminate. Big jobs are more difficult and time consuming than all the small ones which cause them. No boat owner will dispute the truth of that statement.
The boat owner who keeps his eyes open will readily note areas which require attention. He can thus schedule his time so that these can be attended to without affecting the use or enjoyment of his boat. Most small jobs can be tucked into spare moments at the dock, and many can be done while under way. Big jobs will be rare, and these can usually be anticipated: Bottom painting and engine overhaul are typical examples.
There are no mechanics or repair shops at sea. All knowledge, tools, and materials available are those aboard the boat. It is up to the boat owner to see that all materials and tools which may be required are on board. This book provides much of the knowledge and guidance necessary.
The secret of effective boat maintenance is control, and this is best effected by a semiformal schedule of inspection, regularly applied and adhered to. It need take little time or effort, but it must not be neglected lest a little job, unnoticed, grow into a big one. A check list should be used so that nothing is forgotten. It will pay to note in the ship's log when an inspection is made as well as a listing of discrepancies noted requiring attention.
Engine hour logs and battery logs, if properly kept, will serve as an excellent reminder and usually give warning before trouble can develop. A preventive maintenance check list such as that given in Chapter I should be prepared for each boat, and individualized to include equipment on board. All boats have hulls, most have engines, half have sails, and some have such extras as a motor-generator electric plant and electronic equipment of many kinds. Since no two boats are exactly alike (different boat, different long splice!) your checklist must be individualized for your particular boat.
This book departs from the limited scope of other similar books in that the author's definition of boat maintenance includes the maintenance of safety, convenience, and healthful conditions for all aboard, and thus this book is not limited entirely to the mechanical aspects of maintenance but forges beyond these limitations as necessary.
The author has tried to foresee every possible thing which could possibly go wrong on every type of small boat under all possible conditions. It is unlikely that he has succeeded but probable that he has come very close. Not everyone will need all the information contained in this book. A few may need specialized information which is outside its scope. But 99 percent of small boat owners will find here all of the general guidance they need to maintain their boats shipshape and in Bristol fashion -- safe, convenient and healthy.