6 Things Our Service Manager Wishes Every Boat Owner Knew

Our Customer Service team has helped hundreds of boat owners troubleshoot issues, fix problems, and keep their boats running strong. And here's what they've noticed: most boat problems aren't mechanical—they're preventable mistakes that come from not knowing the basics.

These are the six things they wish every new boat owner knew. Not complicated stuff. Just simple habits that'll save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

1. Cover Your Boat Every Single Time

ATX's advice: "Take the 5-10 minutes to wipe down your boat as soon as it comes out of the water. It will save you hours of detail time later."

This is the one habit that separates boats that look new after five years from boats that look worn after one season. When you pull off the lake, your boat is covered in a thin film of lake water, minerals, dirt, and whatever else is in that particular body of water. If you let it dry on the boat, it bakes on—especially in the sun.

Why It Matters

Those water spots and mineral deposits aren't just cosmetic. Over time, they can dull your gelcoat, stain your upholstery, and create a crusty buildup that's genuinely difficult to remove. What takes you 10 minutes with a microfiber towel today could take you hours with cleaners and elbow grease next month.

How to Do It Right

Keep a few microfiber towels in your boat. Right after you pull out and while everything is still wet, do a quick wipe-down of:

• The windshield
• The dashboard and controls
• The gelcoat (especially the sides and back deck)
• Any chrome or metal fittings

You're not doing a full detail. You're just preventing that lake water from drying and leaving deposits. It takes less time than loading your cooler back into your truck. Then, cover your boat before you head home. A good boat cover protects against sun damage, keeps rain and debris out, and prevents that daily UV exposure that fades upholstery and cracks vinyl over time.

2. Dry Between Your Cushions

ATX's advice: "Be sure to dry off interior cushions—and in between the cushions—before the boat is put away."

This is the mistake they see most often, and it's the one that causes the most frustration for boat owners.

The Problem

When you're done for the day, your cushions are wet. That's normal—water gets splashed, people sit down wet, condensation happens. But if you tighten your cover on while there's water sitting between cushions or underneath them, you're creating a perfect environment for mildew and mold. 

How to Do It Right

Before covering your boat:

1. Open all your cushions
2. Wipe down the bases where the cushions sit
3. Wipe off the bottom of each cushion
4. Prop cushions up or position them so air can circulate (Pro Tip: Most cushions can be opened with the boat cover still fitting properly)

3. Don't Trap Moisture Against Your Upholstery

ATX's advice: "Don't leave wet life jackets or towels on your seats."

This falls into the same category as drying cushions, but it's worth calling out separately because people do this without thinking about it.

The Problem

You get back to the dock, tired from a long day. Life jackets get tossed on the seats. Wet towels land on cushions. The cover gets put on.. Then the boat sits for three days before you use it again.

What happens? Those wet items trap moisture against your upholstery. The water can't evaporate, so it just sits there. Your nice cushions start looking dingy and smell musty.

How to Do It Right

Before you cover the boat:

• Take wet towels home
• Take wet life jackets out of the boat
• Don't pile wet gear on seats
• Make sure any wet items are off the upholstery before the cover goes on

If you have a wet towel, a soaked rope, or anything else dripping water—get it off the seats. Find somewhere else to put it while you're packing up, even if it's just on the floor of the boat temporarily. The upholstery is one of the most expensive parts of your boat to replace. A little care here goes a long way.

4. Stow Your Bimini When Not in Use

ATX's advice: "Stow your bimini when not in use."

Your bimini top (the shade cover that attaches to your tower) is incredibly useful on the water. It's also one of the most common sources of damage when boats are being stored or trailered.

The Problem

People forget to take the bimini down before covering the boat or before towing home. Then they're driving down the highway at 65 mph with a bimini top acting like a sail. The wind gets under it, and one of several things happens:

• The bimini frame bends or breaks
• The fabric tears
• The mounting hardware gets damaged

Even if you're not towing, leaving the bimini up when the boat is stored means it's getting constant UV exposure, collecting debris, and more likely to get damaged by wind or weather.

How to Do It Right

Every time you finish for the day:

1. Fold up the bimini
2. Fold it down according to your specific model's instructions
3. Secure it properly so it doesn't flap around

5. Turn Off Your Battery Switch Before Towing

ATX's advice: "Make sure your battery switch is off before towing home."

This is a small thing that can prevent big problems.

The Problem

If you leave your battery switch on while towing, parasitic drain can leave you with a dead battery. Even when nothing seems to be running, small electrical draws can drain your battery over time. If your boat sits on the trailer for a few days with the battery on, you might come back to a dead battery next time you want to go out.

How to Do It Right

Make this part of your end-of-day routine:

1. After you've loaded the boat on the trailer
2. Before you leave the ramp or storage area
3. Turn the battery switch to "OFF"

Put a reminder somewhere visible if you need to—maybe a note on your trailer tongue or a checklist on your phone. It takes two seconds and prevents you from dealing with a dead battery the next time you're ready to hit the water.

Pro tip from ATX: When you get to the lake and you're about to launch, that's when you turn the battery back on. Not before—wait until you're actually ready to use the boat.

6. Use the Right Cleaners for Your Upholstery

ATX's advice: "Clean your upholstery with recommended cleaners."

Not all boat upholstery is the same, and not all cleaners work the same way.

The Problem

People use whatever cleaner they have—sometimes household cleaners, sometimes harsh chemicals, sometimes products designed for car interiors. Some of these can damage boat upholstery, especially newer materials like CoolTouch vinyl that's designed to stay cooler in the sun.

The wrong cleaner can:

• Strip protective coatings
• Damage the material's texture or finish
• Void your warranty in some cases

How to Do It Right

Check your owner's manual. It will specify what cleaners are recommended (and which ones to avoid) for your specific upholstery material.

General cleaning tips:

• Clean spills quickly—don't let them sit and stain
• Regular cleaning (every few weeks during season) is easier than deep cleaning once a year

When to Call Your Dealer

If you're not sure what to use, call your dealer. It's much better to ask before you potentially damage your upholstery than to call afterward asking how to fix a problem.

The Common Thread: Small Habits, Big Difference

Notice the theme in all of thisadvice? None of this is complicated. You don't need special skills or expensive tools. What you need are good habits.

The 10-Minute Post-Lake Routine

Here's what the team recommends as a quick routine every time you pull off the water:

1. Quick wipe-down (3 minutes): Hit the windshield, dashboard, and any obvious water spots on the fiberglass.
2. Cushion check (2 minutes): Pull up cushions, wipe down, prop them up to dry
3. Clear wet items (1 minute): Get life jackets hung up, towels out
4. Stow bimini (1 minute): Fold it down and secure it
5. Battery off (30 seconds): Switch to OFF position
6. Cover (2-3 minutes): Put your boat cover on properly

Total time: About 10 minutes, and your boat is protected until next time.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

The habits you build in your first season set the tone for your entire ownership experience. Boats that get proper care last longer, look better, and have fewer issues. And when they do need service, it's for normal wear items—not preventable damage.

The Bottom Line

Taking care of your boat doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Follow these six guidelines, build these habits into your routine, and you'll avoid most of the common issues that frustrate boat owners. Your boat is an investment—not just financially, but in your family's time and memories. These simple practices ensure that investment stays in great shape for years of lake days ahead.

Questions about boat care or maintenance? 
Your local ATX dealer's service team is always ready to help. Don't hesitate to reach out—that's what they're there for.