3 Subtle Ways Your Boat’s Telling You it’s Aging Faster Than it Should

Boats are complex things. There’s a lot we need to do for them, and a lot that can go wrong, even with the best will in the world. Here are three signs to look out for. 

The Gelcoat is Looking Tired

We know our boats aren’t going to stay looking showroom fresh forever, however much we’d like them to, but there’s a marked difference between the level of expected, unavoidable ‘damage’ – more wear and tear than anything else – that happens as a boat gets used, and the kind of damage that signals a boat is seeing more than its fair share of abuse. 

When your gelcoat (the top layer of ‘finish’ on the boat’s paintwork) is starting to show hairline cracks (called crazing), fading that won’t polish out, or a chalky oxidized surface, it’s effectively incapable of doing its job of sealing out water. Too much exposure to UV rays and water (ironically) will cause that telltale sign of premature aging. If you notice any blistering just under the water line, that’s a real sign you’re not treating your boat quite right. 

A quality marine paint is the best option for protecting your boat and its paintwork from UV damage, saltwater and sweetwater – and general wear and tear, too. It’s quick and simple to apply, and will see you through seasons of use without making you feel like the boat is only for special occasions. 

Your Engine Is Working Harder Than it Should

The expected performance from any healthy boat is that it’s consistent, stable, and predictable. That’s a simple and handy barometer. If you suddenly find that you’re pushing the throttle further than you used to just to hit cruising speed, or that the engine takes longer to warm up, then there’s a strong chance something is going wrong under the hood. 

Other things to look for: the smell of fuel lingering wherever you go, high fuel consumption, or elevated operating times. 

All of these suggest that things aren’t working consistently any more. It’s not a death knell for the boat, but it is a sure sign you need to take it in for a tune-up. 

Even if you don’t use your boat all that often, you’re not off the hook. Infrequent use can also cause problems for a boat. There’s a sweet spot between ‘too much’ and ‘too little’ and, unfortunately, most of us land on either side of that. 

Deck Softness

If there’s a spongy-feeling spot on deck, then that’s a very convincing sign that water has managed to permeate through to the balsa or foam between the layers of fibreglass. It’s surprising how many boat owners simply get used to those little ‘quirks’ on board, but ignoring this warning sign will prove very costly in the long run. 

If you tap the deck gently with a rubber mallet, anything that sounds hollow rather than firm needs a thorough inspection. 

If this issue is caught early, it’s a pretty manageable repair, since the water damage will be limited to a small area and the core material won’t have fully degraded. Leave it too long, and you’ve got a much bigger problem on your hands.