[Have a look at the boat you see in the picture here]

We’ve had tips for getting your boat ready before, but now it’s time to get your boat ready for a longer period of downtime. First, it is important to choose whether you will leave her in the water or whether your boat will be put on the shore in winter storage. In either case, there are some things to pay attention to!

The engine

In addition to the ‘normal’ maintenance that comes with the engine – changing the oil, checking/replacing filters – it is most important to make the engine frost-resistant beofre the winter arrives.

In case of a closed cooling system it is filled with coolant, there is little that can go wrong. In an open cooling system, water is drawn in from outside to cool the engine. You get the idea, you don’t want that water to remain in the engine during the winter. How do you winterize it properly?

• Close the water inlet valve;
  
• Open the seaweed filter;
  
• Run the engine while gently pouring antifreeze into the weed filter;
  
• Stop the engine if antifreeze comes out of the exhaust of the cooling system (catch this with a bucket);
  
• Close the shut-off valves and turn the inlet valve open and closed once so that antifreeze enters the valve.

The technology on board

• Fully charge your starter battery, disconnect it and store it heated. Put the battery on the charger 3 days before you go sailing to ensure that it can be used optimally. Read more about taking care of your batteries here.
  
• Electric boat? Make sure to charge your battery from time to time and check the level of the battery fluid. If necessary, remove the poles, clean and grease with acid-free Vaseline;
• Do you have electrical equipment on board? Take it out and store it at home, in a dry and warm place;
  
• Grease rotating parts;
  
• Do you have a bilge pump? Disassemble it, dry pipes and connections;
• Remove water from the bilge and clean it.
  

Hull

• Clean the entire boat sufficiently (read here), because dirt can settle in the winter;
  
• Grease rubbers;
  
• Does the boat overwinter in the water? Get the valves ready! Make sure the ball of ball valves contains antifreeze. Do this by putting the antifreeze in the pipe to the valve and open it shortly before closing it;
• Use a tarp if you have one.
  

The equipment in the boat

• Remove the cushions, read more about cleaning your Sunbrella cushion set here;
• Remove food and drinks from the ship to prevent mold and frostbite;
  
• Remove clothing and life jackets, check the life jackets for maintenance;
  
• Check the fire extinguisher and have it inspected – if necessary.
  In winter you also have time to service your engine, update the navigation systems and replace, maintain or check other parts.
  

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message or give us a call!