Winterising: 4 important tasks that need to be done now
Autumn is here, and for many boat owners it’s time to prepare for the cold season. To ensure that your sailing or motor boat survives the winter undamaged, there are a few important steps to take. In addition to uncrating and thorough cleaning, there are other essential steps that you should not neglect. We present 4 important to-do’s that you should not forget.
1. Disconnect and store batteries
Caring for boat batteries is particularly important in winter to avoid frost damage and deep discharge. Firstly, both the service and starter batteries should be disconnected and removed. It is then important to check the charge level and ensure that the batteries are fully charged before storage. Store your batteries in a frost-free place to prevent damage from the cold and use the cold season to fully charge them to extend their life.
2. Dehumidify the air
Moisture is the biggest enemy during the winter months. To prevent mould growth and unpleasant odours, it makes sense to dehumidify the air inside the boat. Depending on the size of the boat, several dehumidifiers are a simple and effective solution. Especially in closed areas such as cabins or storage spaces, condensation can be prevented, which protects the boat from possible damage.
3. Winterising cooling and water circuits
A crucial point when winterising is draining and protecting the water and cooling circuits. Firstly, all tanks, such as the water tank, hoses, boiler and water pump, must be completely drained to prevent frost damage. You should also add antifreeze to the cooling circuit. This protects the engine from possible damage caused by sub-zero temperatures. We also recommend having the engine and transmission serviced at least once a year.
4. Have rescue equipment serviced
Regular maintenance of life-saving equipment is essential to ensure safety on board. Life jackets and life rafts should be checked at least once a year. Autumn is the ideal time to have this maintenance carried out. Conveniently return your life-saving equipment to our shop and pick it up again in spring, serviced and ready for use.
Our all-round service for you
In our yacht shop you will find all the products you need to care for and winterise your sailing or motor boat. From dehumidifiers and antifreeze to care products – we offer you everything you need to get your boat safely through the winter. If you don’t want to or can’t take care of all the work yourself, we also offer an all-round service. Our experienced team will take care of the most important tasks for you and ensure that your boat is optimally prepared for the cold season.
Get in touch with us and let us advise you! So you can start the new season in spring without any problems.
