Winterizing your boat - what to keep in mind

The days are getting shorter, and the cold season is approaching. For boat owners, that means it’s time to prepare the boat for winter. For many, this task is routine, but we’d still like to share a few useful tips with you.

Where to start

Begin by removing everything that’s on board. That includes food, beverages, bedding, clothing, towels, books, and navigation charts – all of which are best stored at home over winter. Mattresses and cushions are also better kept in a warm, dry place.

If you don’t have enough storage space at home, stand them upright on board to prevent mold.

To protect the value of your boat, it’s advisable to use dehumidifiers. You can use electric ones (please check with your winter storage facility first) or moisture absorbers with drying salt.

You should also remove the following items from your boat:

  • Fire extinguishers, life jackets, and life rafts: Check if these safety devices need servicing or replacement. Servicing can be done by specialized companies – for example, life jackets can be maintained by SVB. Check whether your fire extinguisher is frost-proof; this varies by manufacturer and model. To be safe, take it off the boat.
  • Sheets, mooring lines, and ropes: Rinse them thoroughly with fresh water at home, let them dry completely, and inspect them for any wear or damage.
  • Sails: Remove, dry thoroughly before storage, and fold neatly. This is also a good time to inspect for tears or wear.
  • Gas bottles: Remove all from the boat. Afterwards, check the gas locker and drain opening.

Boat Cleaning

Cleaning your boat is a crucial step. Before hauling out, rinse the hull and deck thoroughly with fresh water to remove dirt and salt. Once the underwater hull is accessible, clean off algae and dirt using a pressure washer. Always use boat-specific cleaning products, as they are fully biodegradable. Stubborn barnacles should be scraped off carefully before they harden.

In summary:

  • Clean deck and hull thoroughly.
  • Use a pressure washer and special boat cleaner to remove algae and grime from the underwater hull.
  • Never clean teak decks with high pressure or abrasive pads – it damages the wood. Use special teak cleaners and seal with teak oil afterwards.
  • If the mast is unstepped, rinse it with fresh water to prevent salt corrosion on metal and aluminum.
  • Clean sprayhood and bimini (especially bird droppings!) and rinse if necessary.
  • Don’t forget the propeller and fenders – they’re often overlooked.

Engine, Batteries, Fresh and Grey Water Tanks

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for heat exchangers or even engine blocks to freeze and crack. A common DIY mistake is forgetting to open the thermostat (engine must be warm) before flushing with biodegradable antifreeze in single-circuit cooling systems.

Also, check the antifreeze mixture in the internal cooling circuit and note the freezing protection temperature. The same applies to generators. To avoid expensive damage, we recommend having engines winterized by a professional service.

For fresh and grey water systems, remember to:

  • Empty all tanks completely – this includes the boiler and any water-heating system.
  • Don’t forget seacocks, windscreen washer systems, stern showers, dishwashers, washing machines – anywhere fresh water could remain. Damaged freshwater lines are often hard to access. Note: there are antifreeze products suitable for drinking water systems.
  • Flush and fill toilets with antifreeze on land.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery storage. While older advice suggested leaving a small consumer or a trickle charger connected, modern recommendations vary depending on battery type.

Final Tips

Finally, cover your boat with a sturdy tarp. Make sure there are no low spots where water can collect and freeze. If your boat is stored indoors, a simple plastic dust cover is sufficient.

And one last reminder: don’t forget about drinks left on board. More than one skipper has found burst beer bottles in spring! Better to take them home – and toast to a successful winterization!

Have questions, feedback, or special requests? We look forward to hearing from you at marketing@bavariayachts.com.

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