Overview and key points
As winter approaches, boat owners must take proactive steps to protect their vessels from the harsh conditions ahead. This guide covers essential winter boat storage tips – from cleaning and ventilation to insurance checks and security measures – ensuring your boat stays safe, secure, and ready for next season. Whether your boat is afloat or ashore, these practical insights will help you avoid costly damage and keep your investment in top shape.
Key takeaways
- Ensure your boat insurance is up to date and covers winter storage conditions.
- Remove valuables, clean thoroughly, and ventilate to prevent damp and damage.
- Prepare a regular inspection routine and monitor weather conditions.
- Notify your insurer of any planned repairs or hot works while the boat is ashore.
Protecting your boat this winter: Top tips for safe storage
With winter looming, it’s time to start thinking about preparing your boat for the months ahead. Whether you’re the proud owner of a sailing dinghy, yacht, powerboat or motor yacht, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected and ready for the next season back on the water.
The winterising process you carry out will depend on the type and size of your boat, as well as whether it’s taken out of the water or left afloat.
Key steps to consider include:
- Check that your own insurance is in date and whether there are any conditions applying to the winter period
- Remove as much as possible from your boat – furnishings such as cushions and bedding, removable equipment, personal possessions and any food and drink.
- Clean your boat thoroughly – wash out the bilges to remove any salt or freshwater debris. Where possible, ensure the interior is well-ventilated, and consider de-humidifiers.
- Remove sails for cleaning and any repairs needed and service the running and standing rigging
- Check sea cocks to ensure that that are operating freely
- Disconnect gas and ensure that cylinders are stowed with ventilation
- Drain the water system to prevent freezing and leave the taps open to allow any condensation to drain
- Check any cabin storage and lockers to ensure that any items containing Lithium batteries are removed and are not left charging.
- Prepare an inspection routine for the care of your vessel when unattended and decide on any nominated first responders are in the event of an emergency
- Watch the weather and consider your mooring lines, fenders and those of neighbouring craft
- Check battery health and that auto bilge pumps are functioning
- Consider your security system – ensure that the vessel is secure with any anti-theft devices deployed and functional.
If you are considering works or renovation whilst your vessel is ashore, there are some details your insurance provider will require.
Our checklist of the details your insurance provider will need before haul out:
- The name and location of the yacht yard where your vessel will be stored
- Estimated entry and exit dates
- Scope and value of any repair or service works planned
- Full details of any hot works, for example brazing, torch cutting, grinding, soldering and welding to be carried out
- Whether the yard requested any waiver of recourse? DO NOT agree to anything until your insurers have reviewed and approved any such requests
- Secure a copy of the yard’s current Ship Repairers Liability (SRL) certificate – or Public Liability
- Protect your engine and fuel system – check your manual for the specific recommendations for your boat and where it will be spending the winter months, most marina engineers offer a winterising plan so book early to avoid delays
- If your yacht is ashore, think about a schedule or routine for attendance and inspection, including any fire checks who are keyholders and first responders as well as any security and remote monitoring systems being used.
If you have any questions regarding insurance cover for your boat, do not hesitate to get in touch with our marine specialist.
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