Winterize boats: keeping your boat in good condition

Did you know that more than 60% of serious boat breakdowns happen during or after a poor winterising? Proper winterising not only protects your boat from the effects of winter, but also ensures that it is ready to sail at the start of the new season.

Whether you have a small sailboat or a luxury yacht, care during the off-season is crucial to prolonging the life of your boat and avoiding costly repairs. Here is a comprehensive guide to planning and executing an effective winterisation.

Planning a winterisation

Successful winterising starts with proper planning. This includes selecting the ideal time, anticipating costs and making sure all key aspects are covered.

When to start?
The ideal time to start winterising will always depend on what you are winterising your boat for. If we start from a recreational boat for summer periods in the area for example of the Balearic Islands, it will be from the moment we finish using our boat during the holidays, for example between the end of September and the beginning of November, before the most adverse weather conditions arrive. This margin allows us to carry out all the necessary tasks without haste and with greater effectiveness.

Pre-winterisation checklist:

Documentation and insurance: Check and update policies, Certificates and permits.
General inspection: Evaluate the hull, mechanical and electrical systems.
Basic preparations: It is essential to be able to make a sweetening of the boat both its exterior parts and engines and cooling circuits, protect against moisture and store removable items.

Estimated costs:
Winterising prices vary according to the size of the boat, the type of storage (dry, afloat, indoors or on the esplanade) and the services contracted. In general, a basic winterisation can cost between 45 and 70 euros per month, while a premium service can exceed 200 euros per month, but it all depends on the type of winterisation and the size of the boat. It is advisable to include an additional 15-20% in the budget to cover unforeseen events during the winterisation, as well as possible repairs related to the minimum necessary maintenance.

Basic boat preparation

A thorough cleaning and maintenance process is the cornerstone of a successful winterisation.

Complete sweetening:

Exterior: Removes sea salt fouling and applies protective products.
Interior: Dehumidifies and ventilates, treating surfaces against saltpetre and prevents mould growth.
Bilges: Eliminates any saline affection, cleans areas exposed to liquid residues, as well as applying specific products to prevent corrosion.

Inventory and storage of equipment:
Make an inventory of all items on board, especially keep an eye on safety equipment, life jackets, flares and equipment that corresponds to the navigation area. Keep electronic equipment in a safe place, protecting it from impacts or salt spray on screens. Store safely those components that may deteriorate with cold or humidity.

Documentation:
Keep all documents up to date and digitised. This includes certificates of registration, seaworthiness, navigation and insurance permits, as well as licences required for specific areas, or specific documents depending on the length of the vessel.

Preventive maintenance

Preventive maintenance during winterisation can avoid future problems and costly repairs.

Engine and systems:

Sweetening of seawater cooling systems.
Change oil and clean or replace filters.
Use marine antifreeze in critical systems.
Lubricates moving engine parts as well as belts and pulleys.
Protects fuel system against condensation and mucus generation.

Moisture protection:

Use dehumidifiers and absorbent products.
Regularly ventilate the interior.
Apply petroleum jelly to electrical contacts and cover the boat with breathable tarpaulins.

Surface care:

Apply anti-corrosion products to metal surfaces.
Protect wood with specific oils.
Use UV sealants to prevent damage to the deck, or shrink-wrap the cover.

Storage options

Choosing between dry or afloat, indoor or outdoor storage will depend on your needs and budget.

Dry storage (indoor / outdoor):

Advantages: Maximum protection from the weather, full access for maintenance, and direct action on the live work and propulsion elements....
Disadvantages: Higher costs, need for vessel moves, need to plan year after year for refloating.

Afloat storage:

Advantages: Lower costs, greater flexibility to use the vessel in winter.
Disadvantages: Constant exposure to salty environment and inclement weather, need for covers, tarpaulins or items to protect the vessel. Need for daily routine checks and engine start-up at least twice a month, higher risk of corrosion and hull paintwork damage due to exposure to the sun.

Cost optimisation

To maximise the investment in winterising, combine work with professional services. Basic tasks such as cleaning and lubrication can save upfront costs, while complex systems (engine and electronics) should be serviced by specialists. It is also important to have insurance to cover possible damage during storage which should be available from the companies that maintain custody of the vessel.

Conclusion

Winterising is an essential investment to ensure the longevity and good condition of your boat. Careful planning, coupled with proper preventive maintenance, will make the difference between a boat that will be ready to sail in the spring and one that will require costly repairs.

Dedicating time and resources to protecting your boat over the winter not only preserves its value, but also ensures that you can enjoy the upcoming season with peace of mind and without mishap.

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