When the temperature soars and the sun is relentless, boating can be the perfect escape. But extreme summer conditions can quietly take a toll on your vessel, causing damage that could impact performance and longevity. 

Here’s what to watch for:

Sun Damage

When your vessel is in direct sunlight day after day, especially during a heat wave, all that UV exposure starts to break things down.

• Faded gel coat and paint: That glossy finish you love? Sun exposure can dull it over time.
• Cracked or brittle upholstery: The seats and cushions take a beating from the sun. UV rays dry out vinyl, leading to cracking, discoloration, or even peeling.
• Weakened fiberglass: Over time, UV can compromise the fiberglass, especially if your gel coat is already worn down. It won’t happen overnight, but it builds up season after season.
• Rubber seals and hoses: The rubber pieces that keep your systems watertight and working properly? Prolonged heat and sun can dry them out, causing cracks or leaks.

Tips:

• Give your boat some TLC with a good wax job at the start of the season. 
• Use UV-resistant covers for your seats when the boat’s not in use. 
• If possible, dock in a shaded slip or store your boat indoors when you’re not out on the water.

Overheating Engines

When air and water temps spike, your engine has to work a lot harder to stay within a safe operating range. And just like us, engines don’t love running in extreme heat.

Here are a few common issues to watch for:

• Poor circulation or clogged water intake
• Boiling coolant or failing impellers
• Added wear and tear

Tips:

• Mid-season is a great time to flush your cooling system and check for blockages. If you’ve been boating in shallow or weedy areas, it’s especially important. 
• Listen to your engine. Strange noises, steam, or sudden power loss are all red flags you don’t want to ignore.

Hull Stress 

It might not seem like a big deal, but your boat’s hull expands and contracts with the temperature (just like any material). During extreme summer heat, this process accelerates, and over time, it can start to affect your boat’s structure. Fiberglass boats are particularly vulnerable.

You might notice:

• Hairline cracks: These tiny surface cracks might not seem serious, but they can allow moisture to seep in, which leads to bigger problems down the road.
• Delamination: When the layers of your hull start to separate, it can compromise the strength and buoyancy of the boat. It often starts beneath the surface and spreads.
• Blistering: Ever seen small bubbles on the hull? That’s blistering (usually caused by trapped moisture and heat). It’s more common in older boats or poorly maintained gel coats.

Tips: 

• Give your hull a once-over after every few outings, especially if you’re boating during a hot stretch. 
• Catching issues early can save you from expensive repairs later on.