If you won’t be spending time on board for a while, turn off the main battery switch and disconnect the (-) clamp from the battery. This rule applies to vessels on land as well. We also recommend that you arrange for the black water tank to be emptied. The service is free, you just need to schedule it on time. Be sure to close the gas bottle valves, fuel tank valves and sea valves (Kingston). You will be away for some time and you don’t know what can happen while you are gone, so activate the automatic fire extinguisher system, if present, of course. Please be understanding. The marina sailors will turn off the electricity supply for the vessel if there is no one staying on it. This procedure is necessary for safety reasons. Disconnect the water supply, check and close the gas bottles.
The rigging, masts and ropes need to be tightened and secured. The auxiliary boats and other equipment also need to be checked and stored. The main sail and float must to be removed from sailboats that stay on land during the winter or use the dry berth service. We recommend removing and storing fenders for boats on land, you don’t need them on land and they can damage the colour on the hull because they are more exposed to the wind than when the boat is in the sea. Make sure you tie down and check all equipment remaining on deck if the boat is on land (anchors, auxiliary boats…), so they don’t fall on passers-by due to strong wind.
Check that the awning is closed and secured. If you will be away for a while, it is advisable to remove and store it safely. Be sure to check that all windows are firmly closed. It is especially important to equip the vessel with a quality and fitting boat cover.
The preparation of sailboats differs somewhat from motorboats, but the common thing is that a little bit of effort in preparing for cooler days will extend the service life of the equipment. You will significantly reduce maintenance costs and make re-equipping your boat easier in the spring, before sailing.
We have already mentioned that it is recommended to remove all sails on sailboats during the winter, regardless of whether the main sail is rolled around the mast or neatly arranged in the so-called lazy-bag. By doing so, we protect the sails from the influence of atmospheric conditions and avoid the risk of the sails opening and destroying completely during strong wind. It is possible for the sail to release and open completely during strong wind, potentially posing danger. In situations like these your sailboat, as well as boats next to it, can suffer significant damage.
The metal equipment remaining on board should be protected by silicone spray. Parts made from stainless steel, fences, joints, window frames, etc. must be well-polished and protected by special agents. Seals on openings should be coated with petroleum oil to maintain elasticity.
Seating and upholstery on motorboats can easily be protected with appropriate covers. Particular attention should be paid to zipper covers and awnings which must be properly and regularly lubricated since they may begin to get stuck or even break after some time.
Most boat owners will agree that the biggest problem during winter is the dampness and stale air within the boat. This combination can create a very unpleasant smell. That is why, at the end of the season, all upholstered bunks, seating and lifebelts must be thoroughly cleaned and left to be aired, and washed if necessary. All covers which can be removed from upholstered parts should be washed along with the bedding and curtains. The bunk foams are best placed vertically because they can catch mould if they remain attached to wood or plastic.
Drinking water tanks must be emptied, washed and disinfected, and the drinking water filters must be cleaned and checked. Diesel engine fuel tanks must be filled to the top to avoid condensation, and petrol engine fuel tanks must be completely emptied, cleaned and left open.
Gas bottles must be removed from the boat and the entire system must be thoroughly checked. Close the drain valve and check whether the drain hose needs replacing in spring. If the boat is on land, after discharging the system the valves must be kept open. Non-return valves on sinks must be cleaned and checked. Rubber parts should be protected with silicone oil and the main valve must be closed after checking. All valves, especially ones below the water line must be checked and closed if the boat remains in the sea. For boats on dry berths, the valves are kept open thus contributing to better ventilation. We recommend that you leave a dehumidifier inside the boat during the winter.
Make sure to order and arrange all the necessary repairs on time because subsequent emergency interventions may not always be possible.
The rigging, masts and ropes need to be tightened and secured. The auxiliary boats and other equipment also need to be checked and stored. The main sail and float must to be removed from sailboats that stay on land during the winter or use the dry berth service. We recommend removing and storing fenders for boats on land, you don’t need them on land and they can damage the colour on the hull because they are more exposed to the wind than when the boat is in the sea. Make sure you tie down and check all equipment remaining on deck if the boat is on land (anchors, auxiliary boats…), so they don’t fall on passers-by due to strong wind.
Check that the awning is closed and secured. If you will be away for a while, it is advisable to remove and store it safely. Be sure to check that all windows are firmly closed. It is especially important to equip the vessel with a quality and fitting boat cover.
The preparation of sailboats differs somewhat from motorboats, but the common thing is that a little bit of effort in preparing for cooler days will extend the service life of the equipment. You will significantly reduce maintenance costs and make re-equipping your boat easier in the spring, before sailing.
We have already mentioned that it is recommended to remove all sails on sailboats during the winter, regardless of whether the main sail is rolled around the mast or neatly arranged in the so-called lazy-bag. By doing so, we protect the sails from the influence of atmospheric conditions and avoid the risk of the sails opening and destroying completely during strong wind. It is possible for the sail to release and open completely during strong wind, potentially posing danger. In situations like these your sailboat, as well as boats next to it, can suffer significant damage.
The metal equipment remaining on board should be protected by silicone spray. Parts made from stainless steel, fences, joints, window frames, etc. must be well-polished and protected by special agents. Seals on openings should be coated with petroleum oil to maintain elasticity.
Seating and upholstery on motorboats can easily be protected with appropriate covers. Particular attention should be paid to zipper covers and awnings which must be properly and regularly lubricated since they may begin to get stuck or even break after some time.
Most boat owners will agree that the biggest problem during winter is the dampness and stale air within the boat. This combination can create a very unpleasant smell. That is why, at the end of the season, all upholstered bunks, seating and lifebelts must be thoroughly cleaned and left to be aired, and washed if necessary. All covers which can be removed from upholstered parts should be washed along with the bedding and curtains. The bunk foams are best placed vertically because they can catch mould if they remain attached to wood or plastic.
Drinking water tanks must be emptied, washed and disinfected, and the drinking water filters must be cleaned and checked. Diesel engine fuel tanks must be filled to the top to avoid condensation, and petrol engine fuel tanks must be completely emptied, cleaned and left open.
Gas bottles must be removed from the boat and the entire system must be thoroughly checked. Close the drain valve and check whether the drain hose needs replacing in spring. If the boat is on land, after discharging the system the valves must be kept open. Non-return valves on sinks must be cleaned and checked. Rubber parts should be protected with silicone oil and the main valve must be closed after checking. All valves, especially ones below the water line must be checked and closed if the boat remains in the sea. For boats on dry berths, the valves are kept open thus contributing to better ventilation. We recommend that you leave a dehumidifier inside the boat during the winter.
Make sure to order and arrange all the necessary repairs on time because subsequent emergency interventions may not always be possible.
