How to Maintain a Pedal Boat

As a passionate pedal boater, I have enjoyed countless hours on the lake with my trusty little vessel. However, there’s not a single moment when I overlook the need to maintain my pedal boat. That’s because they come with a hefty price tag and the thought of purchasing a second one is far from practical.

Basic maintenance tasks and proper care of your pedal boat are crucial. Not only does it prolong the boat’s lifespan, but it also prevents costly intensive repairs. After all, precaution is always better than cure.

If you want to ensure your pedal boat remains in good condition, it’s vital to carry out essential upkeep tasks such as cleaning, draining, fixing leaks (if there are any), and ensuring proper storage. Let’s explore more about how to maintain a pedal boat.

How to Maintain a Pedal Boat?

When it comes to the lifespan of a pedal boat, maintenance is crucial. Since these watercraft don’t have any moving parts that need extra attention, doing some preventative maintenance should be your top concern. Here’s how to maintain a pedal boat:

• Clean Your Boat Regularly
• Drain it After a Use
• Store Your Pedal Boat Appropriately
• Cover Your Pedal Boat When Possible
• Repair or Patch Your Pedal Boat
• Get the Pedal Boat Serviced Annually

What Makes a Pedal Boat Look Well-Maintained?

A well-maintained pedal should be in its best shape. Here are some things that indicate the proper upkeep of a pedal boat.

Sturdy Hull

A hull is known as the main body of a boat. Its surface should be smooth and free of marine build, such as algae. While its paint and finishing don’t matter much, leaks or cracks prove your inattentive nature towards your boat.

Comfortable Seating Area

The seating area should be clean and free of tears or rips in the foam. Cushions and backrests should be in good condition, and any exposed metal parts should be rust-free. A well-maintained seating area will make for a more comfortable ride and will give the boat a more polished appearance.

Smooth Pedaling System

A well-maintained pedal boat should have a smooth pedaling system that is free of any squeaks or rattles. The pedals should move freely, and the chain or belt that connects them to the propeller should be well-lubricated.

Quality Propeller

The propeller is responsible for converting the energy from the pedal boat into forward motion. To maintain the boat’s speed, keeping the propeller undamaged and free from debris is essential.

The propeller blades should be balanced, straight, and well-lubricated. A high-quality propeller will not only improve the boat’s performance but will also give it a more sleek appearance.

How Do You Keep a Pedal Boat Clean – It’s Super Easy

One essential step to maintaining a pedal boat is keeping it clean. While it seems like a little task, skipping it isn’t a good idea.

Firstly, you have to rinse off your boat. You can do this with the help of a spray or hose. It will remove any deposits of algae and leftover hitchhikers from the boat’s surface.

If you take your boat in the salty water, you have to do a little more effort in order to keep it clean. Saltwater can act as a corrosive substance to your boat if not cleaned quickly.

After rinsing off, scrub your boat with a cleaning solution. However, be sure to do this process gently, as hard, and rough scrubbing can damage your boat’s finishing. Now rinse the watercraft with fresh water to remove any residue of the cleaning solutions.

Apart from properly cleaning your pedal boat regularly, you should also focus on your pedal boat weight limit and should have an idea about its seating capacity. Otherwise, if you keep on ignoring its seating capacity, then it can hamper the quality of your boat. Other than that, you would need more power to paddle the boat and there are chances that your boat can capsize if its weight limit is surpassed.

How to Drain a Pedal Boat – Where’s the Drainage Plug

Draining is an essential aspect of the upkeep of your pedal boat. You will need to drain it properly after it’s been on water or after you clean it. If you skip the step, mold or mildew can make a place in your boat.

Pedal boats are really just a roof and bottom glued together. If the foam inside gets in touch with water, it will get saturated. Eventually, your boat will start to mold and might sink into the sea.

No one wants to be trapped in such a terrible scenario, and that’s what draining prevents. You have to pop out the drainage plug once your boat gets home to fulfill this step effectively. 

How to Store a Pedal Boat at Your Home (Even Without Garage)?

After drainage, properly storing your boat is crucial. It will prevent any dents or deforming, which may damage your boat’s finish.

A flat and fully supported place is considered ideal for storing a pedal boat. While it may be beneficial to store it a bit above the ground level, don’t use 2×4’s or saw-horses to do so. There are high chances of wood denting the hull.

Pallets are a great option to store your boat a bit off the ground. It can act as a safe, supporting bottom of the boat. Alternatively, you can hang your boat from the ceiling. Not only does it save up space, but it also helps in transporting a pedal boat.

While there are hundreds of storage options, never store your boat in the water. If you do so, you have to face the consequences, such as algae or barnacles. These marine build-ups can negatively impact the boat’s performance.

One thing you need to be aware of is the storage position of the pedal boat. What many people do is store their boats upright down. It is especially true if you don’t have a canopy or cover and want to prevent the rainwater from filling up the seat. This is something that should never happen. Upright storage position can tweak your boat, leading to dents on the edges.

How to Cover Your Pedal Boat Properly?

If you don’t have an indoor place to store your pedal boat, you can at least cover it. Even if your boat is UV-resistant, constant exposure to the sun can cause damage to it, such as cracks or leaks.

Uv rays will fall out directly, and the boat may become brittle in outdoor storage places such as backyards. My case is no exception. I sit my boat in an outdoor yard on a pallet and cover it with a canopy. Seems crazy? Well, I have been doing this for over four years, and thankfully, my boat is in tip-top condition till the moment.

How to Repair Pedal Boat?

Quick patches or repairs can prevent serious damage to your pedal boat in the long run. Often, boat owners ignore simple fixes for years. However, these simple issues can pop out in big damage later on, affecting the boat’s performance and durability.

So whether it’s patching a hole, lubricating the boat, or changing the pedal system, make it happen in the immediate instance. Even if you need to replace the pedal boat’s parts, do it without any delay.

You can patch a hole with the help of a patch kit. Just get one kit and start spreading it over the holes. It is typically an easy task, but to replace the pedal system, you will need the help of an expert.

Speaking from my experience, repairing pedal boats is quite easy, all you need is a little bit of confidence, the right tools, and all the necessary equipment. There is plenty of tutorial on youtube, even on TikTok, where common pedalos repairs are shared. Even, I know few of my friends who can diy pedal boat all alone at home.

How to Fix Pedal Boat Leaks at Home?

Leakage is a common problem in bathrooms and boats. Even a small leakage can cause water accumulation, and eventually, the boat can get flipped over. You can fix leaks easily by following the steps I have mentioned below:

• First, search for the route between the water and your boat.
• Then, inspect where the leak exactly is. You can do that by observing the boat in the water.
• Now, mark the leakage area with a wax pencil, pen, marker, or duct tape.
• Put the sand around and on the leakage area to smooth it out.
• Lastly, buy a leak repair kit or product and apply it to one leak at a time. Be sure to spread it from both sides of the leakage.
• Now, wait for 24 hours before using the pedal boat. This will give the repair kit enough time to dry and seal the leak tightly.

This is How you can Lubricate a Boat Pedal

Most pedal boat manufacturers craft their pedalos in a way that they don’t need regular lubrication. For instance, Sun Dolphin utilizes commercial-grade oil-impregnated bushings (a bronze product that requires minimal care or lubrication).

I always prefer grease or oil to lubricate my boat’s pedal system. For specific lubrication instructions, you should check out the owner’s guide.

Safety Considerations: Emphasizing the Importance of Safety During Maintenance

Safety should always be a top priority in pedal boat maintenance activities. Whether you’re a seasoned boat enthusiast or a beginner, taking precautions during routine checks and repairs is crucial for a secure and enjoyable boating experience.

Boating, by nature, involves various elements that may pose risks, and this is amplified when conducting maintenance tasks. Here are key points to emphasize:

Mindful Approach to Maintenance:

As you embark on maintaining your pedal boat, adopt a mindful mindset. Recognize that even seemingly minor tasks can have safety implications. Stay focused on the task, and never compromise safety for speed.

Proper Gear and Attire:

Prioritize the use of appropriate safety gear and attire. Wear non-slip footwear to prevent accidents on wet surfaces, and consider using gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or potential irritants during cleaning or repairs.

Secure the Boat:

Before initiating any maintenance procedure, ensure the pedal boat is securely anchored or on a stable surface. This prevents unintended movements that could lead to accidents. Perform maintenance in a controlled environment away from strong currents or unpredictable weather conditions.

Tips for Avoiding Accidents During Routine Checks and Repairs

Methodical Inspection:

Conduct a systematic inspection, starting from the hull and working through the pedal mechanism. This helps identify potential hazards before they escalate.

Pedal System Awareness:

Exercise caution when inspecting or repairing the pedal system. Be mindful of moving parts, and avoid placing hands or tools in areas where they could get caught. Familiarize yourself with the mechanism’s operation to anticipate potential risks.

Use of Proper Tools:

Always use the appropriate tools for maintenance tasks. Using makeshift tools can compromise safety. Ensure tools are in good condition, and if any are damaged, replace them promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions – (FAQs)

Why do boats always need maintenance?

Regular maintenance of your pedal boat will ensure the safety of you and your loved ones and your investment. As these boats are expensive, no one wants to spend on them again. Hence, regular maintenance is essential to keep your boat in its best shape.

Are boats easy to maintain?

Yes, boats are very easy to maintain. However, it takes up some of your time and effort. For instance, you need to clean, drain, and store it in an appropriate environment. All these things are crucial to maintaining a pedal boat.

When should you clean your boat?

You should clean your boat after every trip. The first thing you need to do is rinse off the boat with water. Then, you need to apply a cleaning solution to algae or stain build-ups. Lastly, you should rinse off the boat again with water.

Wrapping Up – How to Maintain a Pedal Boat

The maintenance of the pedal boat is simple and should be done in a timely manner. You don’t have to make a list of to-do things to upkeep your boat. Instead, you can put best practices into action and make your pedal boat last long.