How to Winterise Your Boat

What is the Point?• It is not just bears that hibernate in

winter. You need to make sure you prepare your boat for the cold months too.

• Periods of inactivity can actually cause more damage to your boat. Rust, corrosion, and moisture are all significant threats to your investment, and you need to make sure you take appropriate steps to prevent these causing damage.

• Failure to prepare the vessel and engine for the cold winter months could land you with a hefty bill once spring arrives.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/boat-wreck-ship-sea-old-water-896158/Image

Fuel Tank Preparation• Although you can leave the tank

empty over winter, it is best to fill it to one inch below full.

• A tank with no fuel means there will be more space for condensation to build up. The one inch gap will allow the fuel to expand.

• You should also add fuel stabiliser to the tank on the penultimate time you fill it before winter. This helps the stabiliser mix with the fuel more efficiently.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/model-boat-sailboat-yacht-sail-1246639/

• One you have filled the tank for winter, run the engine for at least half an hour to ensure the treated fuel is completely integrated.

• Use Vaseline around the fuel cap to prevent moisture getting into the tank.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/model-boat-sailboat-yacht-sail-1246639/

Protect Your Engine • Change the oil. Older oil can include foreign liquids, which may

lead to water damage and cause the metal elements of the engine to form rust. Salt speeds up the rust process so be sure to take extra care with this step, and remember that the engine needs to be hot before you change the oil.

• Flush the cooling system with clean water. It is crucial to ensure the coolant and water are drained to avoid freezing. If it is likely that winter temperatures will be very cold, then you may want to consider running anti-freeze into the cooling system to further protect from freezing.

• Lubricate the moving parts of the engine with fogging oil, and use marine grease on steering mechanisms and the windlass and propellers so they do not seize up in the colder temperatures.

Disconnect The Battery

• Batteries are expensive, so make sure to disengage yours.

• Keep it charged and make sure the water level is topped up whilst in storage. Batteries should be stored off the ground wherever possible, in a cool, dry place.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/battery-charging-high-icons-1294586/

“At sea, I learned how little a

person needs, not how much”

Robin Lee Graham

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/beach-waves-ocean-pacific-water-1204401/

Do Not Forget Below Deck• Remove as many soft furnishings as

possible. They will attract damp and could lead to mould.

• If possible, use a dehumidifier to draw moisture from the air before storage.

• Drain all water tanks and pipes, and check batteries in all electric devices to ensure they will be ready for use in spring time.

Clean Down• As tempting as it is to leave the cleaning until

the next season, it can really help to reduce overall wear and tear.

• Remove dirt with a sponge from topsides, bottom and deck, and don’t forget to clean all hardware.

• This is a good point to check the overall health of the vessel: If you find any blistering or flaking on the hull then get this sorted before storage.

• Clean all canvas to remove salt water and leave it to dry thoroughly before folding away.

• Make sure the entire vessel is as dry as possible before putting into storage, and do not forget to cover it!

• Even if you are storing the boat inside, the cover will act as an extra protective layer from the cold, damp and ice.

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/model-boat-sailboat-yacht-sail-1246639/

Rust, corrosion and ice can wreak havoc over the colder months.

Make sure your boat is ready to launch back into the water when you are.

In Conclusion• Failure to prepare for winter will cost

you money down the road, so it is well worth taking the time to do it properly.

• Make sure to check your boat and engine manuals for any specific guidance or recommendations.

For more information on the subjects I write about, follow me on SlideShare or tweet me on Twitter

@JeffNevil