Preparing Your Boat for Winter

9th December, 2024

In this article, discuss how you can prepare your boat for winter, highlighting important components needed like rubber D fenders and a watertight seal.

 

Deep clean

Winterisation begins with deep cleaning-both inside and outside. Any dirt, salt, or other residuals will damage the surfaces and further invite pests during storage.

Exterior:

The hull, decks, and all other exterior surfaces should be washed. Check your rubber D fenders for any wear or grime that has accumulated on them over the course of the season, as they protect your boat against abrasions and impacts.

Interior:

Take out all personal items, cushions, and gear. Start cleaning and draining off accumulated water that could lead to mould and mildew. Make sure all surfaces are dried, and inspect for openings where water can enter and sacrifice the watertight integrity of your vessel.

 

Routine maintenance

Once your boat is clean, it is time to carry out the maintenance process. This step makes sure all components are functioning and that, when warmer weather returns, your boat will be ready to hit the water.

Engine and fuel system:

First, flush the engine with fresh water to remove salt and other contaminants. Then, you will have to add a fuel stabiliser to the gas so that it does not deteriorate over the winter.

Battery and electrical systems:

Disconnect the battery and store in a cool, dry place, leaving it on a trickle charger if possible. Electrical components should be inspected for corrosion and damage, and their connections checked to make sure there is a good, reliable watertight seal.

Check your rubber D fenders:

Rubber D fenders absorb the impacts of docking. Thus, they need to be in good condition. Check for any cracks, tears, or worn areas. Replacing damaged fenders now will save you costly repairs down the line.

 

Protective measures

Protecting your boat in winter storage guards against cold, moisture, and pests. The following steps help to keep everything in its best condition until launch time.

Cover your boat:

Choose a strong, breathable cover that tightly fits your boat. This will allow dust, dirt, and moisture in and out, while a tarpaulin made of non-breathable material may trap moisture leading to mould or mildew. Let the tarp cover all the rubber D fenders tightly so they will not be exposed to the weather.

Check the water tight seal:

Evidence of gaps in seals or any that are damaged around hatches, windows, and doors should be checked. Replacing these before storage will assure you have a solid water-tight seal to prevent any moisture from seeping in that can cause interior damage over the winter months.

Protect your pipes:

Due to sudden changes in temperature, or just corrosion over time, the pipes on your vessel can burst or become broken. So, to prepare for winter, it’s important to check for any issues and carry out essential maintenance if needed. If you’re in need of an easy alternative to traditional pipe repair methods or want peace of mind when it comes to using your boat, Aquaseal’s Pow-R Wrap can seal any damaged or leaking pipes on the spot, without the need for cementing, soldering, welding, sleeving or replacement. Keeping a spare kit liked this is essential not just in winter but all year round.

 

Winterise your boat with Aquaseal rubber

Winterising your boat may be an overwhelming task; however, by breaking it down into these three steps-cleaning, maintenance, and protection-you are going in the right direction to protect your investment.

Paying attention to details, like maintaining a water tight seal and checking rubber D fenders, will make all the difference to keep your boat ready for launching when the ice melts. If this is something you need support with, contact Aquaseal here.