Regular Boat Maintenance Items to Watch for This Winter

Not all winter work has to be big and flashy. Sometimes, the smartest thing you can do for your boat is give it the regular care it needs — before small issues become expensive ones.

This winter, we’re focusing on three key maintenance items that protect your engine, your structure, and your shine: 300-hour services, transom reseals, and our new 8-hour ceramic detailing.

⚙️ 300-Hour Services: The Heavy Lifters of Maintenance

The 300-hour service is one of the most important milestones in your engine’s lifespan. It’s when we replace the bigger-ticket items that naturally wear out over time — spark plugs, water pump, thermostat, fuel filter, oil filter, coils, and fluids, just to name a few.

Every manufacturer has its own service schedule, but this one’s universal: do it every 3 years or 300 hours — whichever comes first. Skipping it means risking costly overheats, fuel system problems, poor performance, and even voided warranties. And unlike piecemeal maintenance, a full 300-hour service is designed to reset your engine for a longer lifespan.

It’s an investment — but one that’s far cheaper than the repower or lake service bill waiting for folks who don’t.

🛠️ Transom Reseals: Small Fix, Big Protection

For sterndrive boats especially, the transom is your engine’s anchor — literally and structurally. Over time, the sealant around mounting hardware can dry, crack, or separate, letting water creep into the transom core. That’s where problems start: rot, delamination, and corrosion.

A transom reseal involves stripping out old sealant, cleaning every bolt hole and penetration, inspecting for moisture or damage, and resealing everything with fresh marine-grade sealant. It’s a relatively small job, but it can prevent catastrophic damage.

Winter is the perfect time for this — boats are dry, stable, and our techs can take the time to do a meticulous inspection.

🧽 8-Hour Ceramic Detailing: The Full Spa Treatment

This year, we’re excited to introduce our 8-hour intensive detailing service — a deep clean and protect process using premium Starbrite Ceramic products.

Each boat gets a full inside-and-out evaluation. Our cleaning crew treats every surface individually, tailoring the process to your boat’s condition. From oxidation removal to ceramic protection that locks in shine and shields against UV and grime, this service truly makes a boat feel brand new.

For an additional cost, we’ll even send your canvas to the dry cleaner for a full refresh. It’s the ultimate winter pampering — because your boat deserves to look as good as it runs.

🧊 Winter Work Made Easy

If you’re already storing your boat with us, adding these services is simple. Our office team can coordinate maintenance, upgrades, and detailing while your boat is safely tucked away.

That way, when spring hits, you’re not waiting in line — you’re already ready.