How to Winterise Your Boat

Norfolk Marine
Blog
14 Nov 2024
31
views

As the boating season winds down, it's important to properly prepare your boat for the winter season. Winterising your boat not only protects it from the harsh elements but also ensures it's ready to go when the warmer weather returns.

This ‘how to’ guide will give you all the steps needed to effectively winterise your boat so it’s ready to go at the start of the next season - whether you’re taking it out of the water, or leaving it in.

Boats left in the water vs boats taken ashore

One of the big questions to address when winter comes around is whether you should take your boat out of the water or leave it in. The answer varies significantly based on where your boat will spend the winter months. Boats in water need more attention to mooring and ice protection, while boats ashore require proper support and cover. In both scenarios, protecting your boat from the elements, moisture, and pests is key. Regular checks and maintenance remain essential regardless of where the boat is stored.

The key points for each are listed below:

Boats left in the water

● Check the hull for any damage and apply [antifouling paint] to protect against marine growth.

● Ensure bilge pumps are in good working order and batteries are charged to power them throughout the winter.

● Check that mooring lines are secure and free from wear. Use [chafe protection] and adjust for tidal changes and potential ice movement.

● In areas where water may freeze, consider using bubblers or de-icers to prevent ice from forming around the hull.

● Good air circulation is the only way to prevent mildew. Ensure vents are clear and consider using moisture absorbers.

Boats taken ashore

● Choose a sheltered area to protect the boat from harsh weather. Ensure the ground is stable and the cover is secure.

● Use proper stands and supports. Distribute weight evenly to avoid stress on the hull.

● Ensure the boat is angled slightly stern-down for proper drainage.

● A well-fitted cover is essential to protect from snow, rain and debris.

● Since the boat is out of water, ensure all water is drained from the plumbing, engine and other systems to prevent freezing.

● Seal any openings and use rodent deterrents to prevent pests from nesting.

General considerations for winterising your boat

● Winterise the engine and fuel system as per the guidelines, regardless of the boat's location. If you’re not sure of the guidelines then forums like Marine Engine are great to ask for advice and find information.

● Clean and protect the interior, remove valuables and disconnect batteries.

● Whether in water or ashore, regular inspections are important to identify and address any issues promptly.

How to Winterise an Outboard Engine

What you need: A freshwater source, flushing attachment, fogging oil, lubricant, and fuel stabiliser.

Steps:

Flush the engine: Hook up your engine to a freshwater source using a flushing attachment. Run it for 10-15 minutes to clear out any salt, dirt, or contaminants.
Fogging oil: While it's running, spray fogging oil into the air intakes until the engine stalls, then turn it off.
Change gear oil: Drain the old gear oil and refill with fresh.
Lubricate moving parts: Apply [lubricant] to any moving parts to prevent rust.
Stabilise the fuel: Add a fuel stabiliser to your tank, then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it.

Why is this important?
Following these steps will help prevent corrosion, lubricate the engine, and keep your fuel fresh during storage. Let’s be honest, fuel is not cheap.

How to Winterise a Sterndrive

What you need: A freshwater source, fogging oil, gear oil, grease, and antifreeze.

Steps:

Flush the cooling system: Connect to a freshwater source, run the engine, and then drain the system.
Fogging oil: Spray fogging oil into the carburettor and spark plug holes.
Change gear oil: Drain and replace the old gear oil.
Grease fittings: Apply grease to prevent rusting.
Add antifreeze: Run non-toxic antifreeze through the cooling system.

Why is this important?
You need to take these steps to prevent your engine from freezing and avoid corrosion over the winter months.

How to Winterise an Inboard Engine

What you need: Antifreeze, fogging oil, and oil extractor.

Steps:

Change the oil: Use an oil extractor to swap out the old oil and change the filters.
Flush with antifreeze: Run non-toxic antifreeze through the cooling system.
Fogging oil: Spray fogging oil into the carburettor and spark plug holes.
Drain water: Remove drain plugs and empty any remaining water.

Why is this important?
It will help prevent corrosion and damage from the cold weather and freezing.

How to Winterise the Fuel System

What you need: Fuel stabiliser, engine oil, coolant, and antifreeze.

Steps:

Fuel stabilisation: Fill the tank almost to the top, leaving room for expansion. This helps prevent condensation, which can cause water in the fuel. Add fuel stabiliser to stop the fuel from breaking down.
Run the engine: Let it run for about 10-15 minutes to circulate the stabiliser.
Change filters: Replace fuel filters to stop contaminants from affecting the engine.
Check fuel lines: Look for cracks or wear and replace them if needed.

Why is this important?
Fuel is expensive. These steps will help keep your fuel fresh and protect your engine from corrosion.

How to Winterise Your Boat’s Plumbing

What you need: Non-toxic antifreeze and a water pump.

Steps:

Drain the tanks: Empty water tanks and heaters.
Run antifreeze through the system: Use a pump to circulate non-toxic antifreeze.
Drain and protect the toilets: Flush toilets and add antifreeze to prevent freezing.

Why is this important?
Stops your boat’s pipes from freezing, cracking and becoming damaged.

How to Clean and Check Your Bilge

What you need: Cleaning supplies, bilge pump.

Steps:

Clean the bilge: Clear out debris and give it a good clean.
Dry the bilge: Make sure it's dry to avoid freezing.
Check the pump: Ensure the bilge pump is working properly.

Why is this important?
Prevents freezing and makes sure your bilge pump is ready to go after the winter months.

Winter Washdown

What you need: Mild soap, soft brushes, hoses, sponges, towels.

Steps:

Rinse the boat: Wash off salt, dirt, and debris with fresh water.
Soap it up: Use mild soap and soft brushes to scrub the hull, deck, and superstructure.
Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly and dry everything with towels.

Why is this important?
Salt can damage the exterior of your boat and ruin a protective finish. Ensuring all salt, and other debris is removed is really important to protect against the winter elements.

Starbrite Boat Wash 16 oz
Special Price £11.71 Regular Price £14.64

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
StarBrite Premium Marine Polish with PTEF 16 oz
Special Price £33.38 Regular Price £41.72

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
StarBrite Marine Polish 16 oz
Special Price £22.58 Regular Price £28.22

Add to Wish List Add to Compare
Grunt Boat Cleaner
Special Price £22.79 Regular Price £28.49

Add to Wish List Add to Compare

How to Winterise Your Boat’s Interior

What you need: Moisture absorbers, mildew protectants, vacuum.

Steps:

Clean thoroughly: Vacuum and wipe down surfaces.
Remove valuables: Take home anything that could be damaged by cold or damp.
Use moisture absorbers: Place them in enclosed spaces to prevent mildew.
Prop open lockers: Leave doors and lockers slightly open for air circulation.

Why do this?
Helps to prevent dampness and mould, keeping your boat clean for next season.

Winterising the Exterior

What you need: Boat wax, cleaner, soft cloths.

Steps:

Clean thoroughly: Wash off algae, barnacles, and salt with appropriate cleaners.
Repair and seal: Fix any damage and seal any leaks to prevent winter damage.
Apply wax: Protect the exterior with a layer of marine wax.
Cover the boat: Use a snug boat cover to protect it from the elements.

Why is this important?
It’s important to protect the exterior from snow, ice, and rain, keeping it in good condition.

Winterising your boat is crucial to protecting it from harsh winter conditions and ensuring it's ready for use when the warmer months return. Whether you leave your boat in the water or take it ashore, the process involves thorough cleaning, draining systems, and applying protective measures. Boats left in the water require attention to mooring, ice prevention, and ensuring good ventilation to avoid mildew. Boats taken ashore need proper support, drainage, and protection from rodents and the elements.

Winterising the engine, fuel system, plumbing, bilge, and interior are essential tasks, alongside applying antifreeze, using fuel stabilisers, and covering the boat to shield it from the weather. Following these steps will help preserve your boat, reduce maintenance costs, and extend its lifespan.

Norfolk Marine