Raritan Marine Experts Talk About Best Ways to Maintain Boats for First Time Buyers

Your Raritan Marine Professionals Discuss Great Tips for New Boat Buyers

Raritan Engineering your Raritan marine specialists would like to share with you these topics we thought would be of interest to you this month regarding some of the best ways to maintain boats for first time boat buyers.

You bought a boat. Your Raritan marine distributors talk about how why you need to maintain it. Just keep the following three points in mind, and the first year with a new boat should be smooth sailing.

First off, engines, steering equipment, water pumps and anything else aboard that moves will benefit from use. Turn everything on and use it at least a couple of times a season. Raise and lower your anchor at the dock, for instance, if you never anchor out. 

Next, keep it clean. This isn’t just aesthetic. If the engine space is clean, you’ll see an engine-coolant or steering-fluid leak right away, so you can have it taken care of before it gets worse. Debris in the waterways around deck hatches can clog drains. Then when it rains, if the water can’t drain, it finds its way into that hatch, and sometimes onto equipment that shouldn’t get wet. 

We Give Simple Ways to Keep Your Boat Looking Great All Year Long

Browse Raritan marine products here at Raritan Engineering. Beyond that general advice, here’s a quick list of maintenance items you’ll need to address during your first year:

Engines: In cold climates, winterize engines every fall to protect cooling systems where water might be trapped and freeze. At the same time, treat engine inner workings with fogging oil to prevent corrosion. Except for a few outboards, engines require an oil change, along with new oil and fuel filters, every year. 

Underwater paint and hardware: Change sterndrive or outboard gear-case oil every fall, or at least check for water intrusion while winterizing the engine. Send propellers with more than a couple of minor nicks to the prop shop to be reconditioned. The paint on your boat’s bottom prevents marine growth, such as barnacles and sea grass, but its effectiveness varies by paint type, climate, region and even local water bodies. 

Fiberglass: Rinse your boat thoroughly after each outing, and wash it once a week with mild boat soap—one that won’t remove wax. Southern latitudes and saltwater boating require wax as often as every two months from the main deck up. Northern and freshwater boaters might wax only once a season. 

Teak decks, wood trim and metal hardware: Wax is the best protectant and cleaner for metal, particularly aluminum. Whatever you choose—spanning bright, glossy varnished trim to just soap and water on teak, letting its natural oil protect the wood—stay on top of it. 

Air-conditioning systems: If your boat has air conditioning, consider using the dehumidifier mode while you’re not aboard, but only if you’re able to check on the boat every day or two. Clear debris from air conditioner’s seawater-plumbing strainers at least weekly, or anytime the air conditioner’s cooling-water stream coming out of the side of the boat seems to be weaker than normal.

Owner’s manuals for each onboard system include maintenance schedules. When in doubt, ask a pro. Advice from other boaters is well-intentioned but not always correct for your boat. The boat dealer, or anyone who repairs boats for a living, is a much better source.

So don't forget these helpful tips on how to maintain your boat if you're a first time buyer. 1) In cold climates, winterize engines every fall to protect cooling systems where water might be trapped and freeze;  2) rinse your boat thoroughly after each outing, and wash it once a week with mild boat soap;  and 3) if your boat has air conditioning, consider using the dehumidifier mode while you’re not aboard, but only if you’re able to check on the boat every day or two.

Go Boating on the Red Lotus Sea

The so-called Red Lotus Sea is one of Thailand’s loveliest seasonal attractions. Somewhat off the beaten path for international visitors, the charming destination is popular with Thai couples looking for a spot of romance and families who want to take the kids somewhere special. 

What is the Red Lotus Sea?

Known in Thai as Talay Bua Deang, the Red Lotus Sea (sometimes also referred to as the Red Lotus Lake) is officially called Nong Han Kumphawapi Lake. A large yet rather normal lake at most times during the year, the lake transforms into a magical wonderland of beautiful pink shades during the cooler months. Indeed, due to the picturesque beauty when the striking lotus flowers are in full bloom, the lake has been named as one of the world’s strangest lakes.

How can I explore the Red Lotus Sea?

The lake’s full majestic beauty isn’t immediately apparent from the edges, though you can peer through binoculars to get an idea of the wonder on the water. The best way to enjoy the fairytale-like visions is with a boat ride across the expansive lake. Boat trips can be arranged with ease from the main car-parking area in Chiang Haeo sub-district.

There’s no need to join a tour as you can easily charter your own vessel to discover the lake. Boats cost around 500 THB for a trip, and the prices are per boat, not per person. Boat rides last for around an hour to an hour and a half. (Shorter trips can also be taken for around 300 THB.) 

Your boat will journey into the middle of the lake, following small channels through the lotus flowers, to eventually bring you to a large and dense patch of vibrant pink flowers. Pause and admire the glorious vistas and snap plenty of pictures to remind you of an unusual day filled with scenic splendour. 

What facilities are available near the lake?

Facilities and amenities are basic, though you will find public toilets (with squat-style toilets) and several food vendors in the main car park. Stock up on snacks for a picnic on your boat ride.

Where is the Red Lotus Sea?

The Red Lotus Sea is located in the Thai province of Udon Thani. Udon Thani is in the northeastern region, the part of Thailand that is also commonly referred to as Isan. The lake can be found roughly 45 kilometres outside of the heart of Udon Thani city, in the district of Kumphawapi.

When can I visit the Red Lotus Sea?

The cool season is the prime time to visit the Red Lotus Sea. The pink buds begin to bloom at the end of the rainy season, reaching their peak in January and February. Some flowers remain open through March, but then from March to around October, the lake is devoid of any special colours.   

Choose your Raritan marine products here and see how Raritan Engineering provides you the best products in the marine sanitation industry today.

via Tips for First-Year Boat Maintenance

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via Thailand's Must-Do: Go Boating on the Red Lotus Sea