Boating is one of the most popular activities in America. Whether you are looking to relax or want to have some fun, it can be a good time for everyone! However, boating safety is something that cannot be ignored. Recently I was curious about how many hours per day people think someone should stay on their boat? This led me to an interesting question: How many hours per day do you think someone should stay on their boat?

Some think 20 hours is a full season, while others say you can’t use her in the summer without 100+ in her. What’s true? The answer is actually very simple…and it depends on what type of boating you do.

If you’ve ever taken an extended vacation, then your boat probably saw around five or six weekends during that time period (2-3 if it was short), which would mean she had 30-36 hours on her after three months. Do you know what happens to engines at 10 or 15 hours? They need major maintenance! Engines are constantly battling corrosion and sediment build-up from water intrusion, all while trying to provide you with smooth, powerful power. This doesn’t even count the fact that many engines are actually shut off each time they are not in use.

How many hours is good for a used boat?

When buying a used boat, the seller should provide an oil analysis report as part of the sale. If this is not provided or you are unable to obtain one, it’s probably best not to purchase the boat unless you plan on using it very soon.

If you have found a well-maintained vessel that has been properly cared for and still requires some time before use, then conditionally restoring her can be a good option. You may start with a fresh engine oil change, then add a stabilizer to protect against corrosion and sediment build-up in between uses. This will allow you to get your “seasoning” hours in without needing much maintenance when your season begins.

Tips for buying a used boat

1. Get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified technician. This will help identify any major issues that need to be addressed before you purchase the boat.

2. Have the engine serviced and perform any required maintenance, including an oil change and flushing of the cooling system, before taking her out for your first outing.

3. Use a stabilizer like Star brite’s Inboard Engine Stabilizer whenever the boat is not in use. This will help protect against corrosion and sediment build-up, which can cause serious damage to your engine if left unchecked.

4. Regularly check fluid levels, hoses, clamps, belts, and connectors to ensure everything is in good condition.

5. Keep a log of your outings, noting the length of time each trip lasted, how many passengers were on board, and any issues that arose. This will help you keep track of your boat’s condition and ensure everything is running smoothly.

Now that you know how many hours per day you should stay on your used boat, it’s time to get out there and enjoy some fun in the sun!

What size boat do you need?

When it comes to the size of the boat, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. How many people will be on board? What activities will you be doing? How much storage space do you need?

We recommend choosing a boat that’s 8-10 feet long for 2-4 people. This will give you plenty of room to move around and store your gear, while also being easy to transport and store when not in use.

If you’re looking for a boat that can accommodate a larger group or want something for fishing or water skiing, then we suggest going with a model that’s at least 16 feet long. These boats offer more storage space and typically have more power, which makes them perfect for those who want to get more out of their boating experience.

Here are a few good examples:

Small Inflatable Boat – Perfect for 2-4 people, this boat is great for enjoying some time on the water in a way that’s simple and easy to store. Available from Amazon

Inflatable Pontoon Boat w/ Motor Mount – Ideal for a group of up to 11 people, this boat offers plenty of storage space and has a motor mount so you can add an electric trolling motor to make it even easier to operate. Available from Amazon

oBoat 12′ Aluminum Fishing Boat with 25HP 4-Stroke Yamaha Outboard – This aluminum fishing boat features a front casting deck and rear live well, while also coming equipped with a 25HP 4-stroke Yamaha outboard for added power. Available from Bass Pro Shops.

How to maintain a used boat?

If you’ve just purchased a used boat, it’s important to perform some basic maintenance tasks in order to keep her running smoothly. Here are a few tips:

1. Change the engine oil and filter. This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your engine and should be done every time the boat is used.

2. Flush the cooling system. This will help remove any sediment or corrosion that may have built up over time.

3. Inspect all fluid levels and hoses, and replace as needed. It’s important to all fluids, including engine oil, coolant, transmission, and gear oil to ensure they’re filled and in good condition.

4. Change the boat’s impeller and housing if needed. While you can flush the system without this step, it will help protect your engine from debris if you change your impeller every time any maintenance is performed on the cooling system or when changing your oil.

5. Check all clamps, fasteners, and connectors for good connection/condition. And if you notice anything that may need repair or replacing, don’t hesitate to contact a qualified technician.

6. If possible, have the propeller removed once a year by a qualified technician for inspection and sharpening as necessary to preserve the performance and fuel economy of the outboard motor.

7. Maintain your boat cover and keep it clean and dry when not in use. This will help protect the boat from the elements and keep her looking good for years to come.

Conclusion

Now that you know how many hours per day you should stay on your used boat and what size boat is right for you, it’s time to get out there and enjoy some fun in the sun! Be sure to perform some basic maintenance tasks every time the boat is used and she’ll keep running smoothly for years to come.

Happy Boating!