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How to Prepare Your Boat for Winter
Whether you’re storing your boat in a berth or ashore for the winter, Flexiteek and Wilks can help. There are several ways that you can help protect your boat from the elements and cold weather.
Storage and Covers
The first step in preparing your boat is determining where it will be stored. This could be in an onshore boat storage area; however, this is not always possible. You may want to store your boat earlier if this is your plan. This is because on dry land, the low temperatures can affect boats sooner. So, it is better to get it safe and protected before the really cold weather starts.
For those keeping your boat on the water, the main protection you can give it is by covering it from water, rain, and snow. One way is by covering it with a boat cover or a tarpaulin, but it depends on the type of boat you have and the environment that its berthed in. The main thing to remember when using a cover is to secure it properly, to prevent it from coming loose or being damaged by the wind.
Exterior Care
Winter is a great time of the year to do some of the tasks that you don’t want to waste the warm summer weather on. Such as washing your boat’s exterior and scraping off any weeds or barnacles that may have built up. During cleaning you may notice damage to the hull. This could be a great moment to fix it and to get your boat looking like new and make it much easier when setting off in warmer weather. On that note, consider adding a layer of anti-fouling paint, especially if you are leaving your boat in water, to protect from unwanted algae, barnacles and marine organisms.
Your Flexiteek 2G deck requires minimal maintenance for the winter. Check out the care and maintenance document to discover how to keep your deck looking like new.
For your Wilks fendering, no heavy scrubbing is needed. A simple wash with soap and water will remove everyday dirt and a nylon brush is useful for the more stubborn grime.
One of the more costly things to go wrong over the winter is the engine. So, it’s vital to prepare it properly. The best way for this is to ensure everything is serviced and check the engine and the water system for anything that might need replacing or updating.
Also, change the oil. Make sure to follow any instructions in the manufacturers’ guide, as it can differ from boat to boat. This gives your engine a clean slate, with clean filters, empty of any water and potential damaging buildup of corrosive deposits.
The Engine and Fuel System
Ensure your fuel tank is full and topped up to keep the amount of air and condensation to a minimum, and in turn reduce the possibility of diesel bugs which can form biomass in the fuel.
Another vital area to prepare are the electrical components on your boat. Disconnect and remove any batteries and if you have a suitable charging system, then this is the perfect time to top up the battery.
Some helpful tips:
- Consider placing an oily rag in the air intake and the exhaust, as this can prevent rust.
- Apply a hydrophobic lubricant such as petroleum jelly around the fuel filler cap thread to prevent water from entering the fuel tank.
- Dielectric grease is beneficial when very lightly applied on battery terminals as this will repel dirt and limit corrosion.
- Use WD-40, or something similar, on the engine with a focus on any electrical wires as it can help prevent corrosion during the frosty months.
A good practice is to mark clearly that the engine is all prepped for winter and is not functional for the time being to avoid accidental usage.
Plumbing and Water Systems
Be sure to remove any water from internal pipe systems. So, empty any tanks and bilges to ensure they don’t get frozen over the winter months. After draining the pipes, be sure to leave any taps open to prevent pressure build-up from any water that may still remain.
If you live in a location likely to get cold, this task is especially important. For those with a sealed water system, engine anti-freeze is a must! Double check that it is full and at full-strength.
If you have a raw water system, then you will need to drain it. This may differ based on the engine you use, so check your engine guides before you empty the system. Most require disconnecting the hose from the circulating pump and then refilling with antifreeze. For the seacock, the advice differs based on the location of the boat. If you are leaving your boat out on the water, then shut the seacock, although if it will be kept onshore, leave them open to provide more opportunities for ventilation.
In both water systems, be sure to run the engine for a short period in order to get the anti-freeze circulating across the entire engine.
Interior Maintenance
One main thing that unites boat owners, regardless of the type of boat, is the love of being on the water and the desire to not have smelly or mouldy items in their boat. One way to prevent this is by removing all perishable items and food. This is easy to do and just as easy to forget about, but it isn’t as easy to get those smells out of your boat. For peace of mind, it may be beneficial to remove anything that has the potential to become mouldy if cold or wet, such as linens and other soft furnishings.
For things that can’t be as easily removed, circulation is the best way to prevent mould. Any covers placed should keep out water but still allow fresh air to enter. This air should also be able to access all cupboards, drawers and even fridges, so try to leave all doors open to allow maximum circulation.
To further prevent mould, try to keep the moisture to a minimum. The most effective way is by using a dehumidifier and potentially a small heater. However, if the boat is without power or if you want a cheaper alternative, a moisture absorber would be a useful alternative.
Regular Check-ups
No matter where your boat is, it is recommended that you check your boat regularly. This is to make sure everything appears as it should be. You should also try to run the engine, if possible, for at least 20-30 minutes to stop condensation from forming.
Hopefully, the main-takeaways from this blog to prepare your boat for winter are:
- Ensure good ventilation is present.
- The engine is protected.
- All perishables and vulnerable items are removed.
Good luck with your boat this winter!
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