Essential Maintenance and Repair Skills for Cruisers

Every cruiser has varied talents. But there are some essential repair skills for cruisers to know. At least if they want to stay safe and keep their budget intact.

In homes and cars, we usually have the option of calling for repair if we just don’t feel like tackling a particular chore. Unfortunately we can’t always do that with boats – it might take too long or there simply may be no tow or mechanic available.

The good news is that the most likely problems aren’t that hard to solve yourself, even if you think you’re “not very mechanical.” My favorite way of learning new skills is to ask an experienced boater to help you (don’t just watch them; be sure to do it yourself too); otherwise, YouTube and owners’ groups are good resources.

Crucial DIY Repair Skills for Cruisers

Based on our 17 years of cruising, here are my recommendations of things to learn to keep you going when there’s no one to turn to:

Bilge Pump

manually trigger float switch if pump does not come on automatically
clear any blockages

Electrical System

add water to batteries (if your batteries require water)
use house bank (or other alternative) to start engine/generator if start batteries have been accidentally depleted
use multimeter to see if there is power to any item and then track down where the problem is
check and change a fuse
splice and reconnect wires (IMPORTANT: only work on 12v systems unless you’re trained on higher voltages; higher voltages can kill)

Engine/Generator

check and top up fluids (oil, transmission fluid, coolant)
change alternator belt (it usually also drives the engine cooling pump so you can’t run without it)
change impeller
change Racor and other fuel filters

Propeller

clear if line catches on prop

Thru-Hulls

This includes thru-hulls for engine cooling water, watermaker, washdown pump, air conditioning, others.

where located and how to close
clean strainers (read more)
clear blockage (sea grass and plastic bags are the most common culprits)

Propane

change tank
bypass solenoid (it’s a great idea to build in a solenoid bypass so you only have to open a valve)

Dinghy

patch a hole (read how)
simple fixes when outboard won’t start (suggestion: keep a copy of our Outboard Troubleshooting for Non-Mechanics in the dinghy)

Watermaker

change prefilter

Water System

change filter
tap to free pressure switch (pressure water only)

Drains

clear slow or stopped drains (read how)

Head

change joker valve
clear clog

Of course, you also have to know how to basically operate all your boat’s systems. The list here are things that commonly go wrong and that don’t really take calling a mechanic. All you need is a willingness to try! If you know these repairs skills for cruisers your time on the water should go much easier.

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