Boat maintenance

Check out our collection of hints and tips articles for maintaining your boat when you're cruising the waterways.

Boat maintenance schedule

This article takes a general look at the things you need to be doing, and when, to keep your boat in tip-top working order

Engine maintenance

Find out what it's really like to take part in a boat engine maintenance course when you think you don't know much about engines

Hull maintenance

Regular hull maintenance is essential for keeping your boat afloat. Learn more about what you need to do and what to look out for.

Boats moored on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal in summer

Keel tank maintenance

Marine engines use what's called a keel tank to remove heat from the engine’s coolant

Debbi changing the fuel filter on her boat engine

Keeping water out of your fuel

Learn how to keep water out of your fuel by draining sedimentors and agglomerators

Canal & River Trust sign saying 'Boaters' facilities Ellesmere' with illustrations of toilets, water, bins, and disposal point

Keeping your water tank clean

Leisure marine domestic water tanks are typically constructed of plastic, stainless steel or mild steel, each with differing maintenance requirements and associated risks

Maintaining your propulsion gear

In terms of how it would affect your cruising, having nothing to push you along is just about as bad as it gets

Preventing breakdowns

Many of faults are caused by a lack of maintenance - follow this advice to help prevent your boat breaking down

Prevent your boat from sinking

Here are some of the common causes of sinking boats on our canals and rivers

Prop-shaft coupling maintenance

Here's what you need to know to keep your prop-shaft happily coupled

Spares and tools for boating

Spare parts and tools are always useful to have on board your boat

Stay gas safe

We’re asking all boaters to get on-board gas appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer

Steering mechanism maintenance

How to deal with problems coming from your steering mechanism

What are your top tips?

Share your maintenance must-dos with us on our Twitter @CRTboating

Warning sign showing digging on the towpath with a fenced off lock and floodlights showing repairs in progress

Before you go anywhere

Check if there are any closures or works affecting your route before you leave home

Last Edited: 27 May 2025