By David Dodd Special to The Detroit News ased on his 15 years in the business, Mark Poelker, part-owner of the service department at Boca Grande Marina in Harrison Township, knows a little preparation can prevent a ton of grief. Tune-ups and oil changes are vital, but also, you need to look over your boat, from the outside in, for anything that looks like it may lead to trouble.
Most marinas offer winter maintenance when a boat is stored for the off-season.
This way, mechanics can take their time looking over the watercraft and performing maintenance. Now is the time of year when problems arise if that basic maintenance is ignored. For example, a small, undetected oil leak, a worn-out hose on the verge of blowing. He suggests getting to know your boat. Ten or 15 minutes of a visual check generally can spot most potential problems.