Top Tips: Getting your boat through the winter

By Elite Marine Services

Whether you’re a fair or all-weather boater, there are some stay-safe winter essentials every boater needs to know - and here are our top ten tips for getting your boat through those winter months:

1. MOULD
   • Items that are prone to mould such as newspapers and magazines or items of clothing should be removed from your boat during the winter months.
2. CONDENSATION
   • Cold metal is prone to condensation, particularly in engine bays when the temperatures drop quickly - and this is not good for your engine. Corrosion can occur where heavy condensation lurks, so identify those engine components that are likely to be most at risk and grease them or use an anti-corrosion spray to protect.
3. MOISTURE
   • As well as condensation, moisture can damage machinery, but this is also particularly harmful to your woodwork. Ensure your boat’s exterior is ready to face the winter to avoid hefty repair bills for rot when the fair weather returns.
4. FROST
   • Set your heating to come on at a minimal heat when temperatures drop below 4ºC to help prevent frost setting in and damaging interior linings.
5. WINTERISATION
   • It’s well documented that boats deteriorate much quicker through lack of use than overuse, so if possible, take your boat out for short runs as late into the winter as possible and get her back out on the water as early into the New Year as you can. But it’s equally important that during the months without use your boat is properly winterised to ensure it is best able to cope with the poor weather conditions. This involves draining down all the systems including your engine and domestic water. Winterizing your boat will also involve a pre-winter oil change in your engine.
6. ANTIFREEZE
   • Top up the antifreeze, checking that it is at the correct concentration for the expected weather conditions.
7. ROPES
   • Ensure that all your ropes are tied securely if you are leaving your boat for a number of months and check that there are no frays that could come loose.
8. COVER UP
   • Remember to cover your boat up securely, making sure that if you have a canopy it is pulled tight and that any tears have been repaired to avoid water leaking into the boat. However, remember that there’s always a way for moisture to find its way in to your boat so good ventilation is important so moisture can get back out.
9. SAFETY
   • When visiting your boat take care of slippery icy surfaces (like pontoons) and make sure you are well wrapped up to avoid putting yourself at risk – wear appropriate clothing and gloves and always let someone know where you are going.
10. WINTER CRUISING
    • If you do decide to take your boat out on a bright and crisp winter morning there are a couple of things to think about. Firstly, don’t go out if the ice is thick as this could cause damage to your hull and harm other boats moored at the marina or along side the river. Make sure you have enough battery charge on your mobile phone for emergences. Take supplies for cases of emergency and don’t take a chance with your fuel tank and risk running out. Ensure you have enough fuel in your tanks to power your heating and appliances as well as the journey. Plan your route and know where your next refuelling point is.

If you need more advice on getting your boat through the winter, you can talk to us by calling the ELITE Marine Services office on 01684 294017.