To keep your C-Dory in tip top shape, we recommend semi-annual boat maintenance.
We’re currently working on a custom Operations and Maintenance Manual — until then, please review our checklist of maintenance and action items.
Engine/Vessel
- Check oil/fill
- Check transom mounting bolts or jack plate bolts (if equipped)
- Check propeller and skeg for damage
- Check drive/gearcase for water/burnt lubricant & refill
- Treat fuel with decarbonizer
- Check engine operating temperature each outing if there is a gauge, otherwise:
- Check engine for proper operating RPM @ WOT
- Check fuel lines for alcohol and UV degradation
- Lubricate all grease points
- Check power trim/tilt fluid, refill if necessary
- Coat electrical with silicone protectant spray
- Have linkage & synchronization checked
- Retorque all accessible bolts & fasteners
- Touch up paint
- Check engine mounts and swivel & steering bracket for excessive play
- Replace water pump impeller
- Treat fuel with storage conditioner, fog engine, drain & refill oil, replace oil & fuel filters
- Steering System
- Check for excessive play or movement
- Check fluid level & check for leaks & bleed system (hydraulic)
- Check engine free-play and adjust (dual cable/NFB)
- Lubricate all grease points
- Check for kinks (hydraulic and mechanical) and/or binding (mechanical)
- Boat: Interior, Tops, Safety Gear, Hull, Hardware
- Check hull for damage; repair if necessary
- Check transom for possible cracking
- Wash hull and deck
- Check registration and inspection to ensure up-to-date
- Check bilge pump and auto switch for proper operation
- Check battery(s) for proper charge
- Check all other electrical accessories and systems for proper operation
- Check safety gear to ensure up-to-date and in good condition
- Check fire extinguishing systems
- Clean and protect interior
- Wax/polish hull and deck
- Clean bilge
- Check top, cover, etc. for condition, proper storage and clean/protect
- Check bow and stern eyes for tightness and secure mounting
- Check rub rail for damage and repair if necessary
- Check all cleats, rail fittings and deck fittings for tightness and secure mounting
Trailer
- Check coupler mechanism for proper operation; lubricate w/silicone spray
- Check safety chains for rust, damage
- Check winch and winch strap; check emergency retention chain/strap
- Check tiedowns and tiedown eyes
- Check lights, connector and wiring harness for condition and repair if necessary
- Check tires for proper inflation pressure (include spare)
- Check wheel bearings for proper grease level, binding, excessive noise
- Check suspension for rust, damage, missing bolts; repair if necessary
- Check tires for age, weather checking, low or uneven tread (check spare also)
- Check wheels for condition
- Check boat support bunks or rollers for condition
- Check frame for rust; paint if necessary
- Repack wheel bearings