What is the best way to winterize my boat?
Summer is coming to an end, schools are starting up again, temperatures are dropping and Sail Amsterdam is unfortunately also over. At the beginning of this summer a blog came online about getting your boat ready for summer. Unfortunately, it is now already time to inform you about winterizing your boat. You can both winterize your boat in the water and on shore. This article goes over both options, as well as examples of precautionary measures.
Wintering in the water
Winterizing the boat ashore is generally preferred. Frost damage can be more easily prevented and maintenance can be done on the underwater hull during the winter months. However, leaving the boat in the water during the winter does not have to be a problem. In fact, there are a large number of advantages to be listed when the boat is left in the water during the winter.
Advantages
First, this option is cheaper because a place ashore or in a shed can be pricey. In addition, you don't have the cost of getting the boat out of the water and back in the water. You also always retain the chance for a longer boating season. Does the weather suddenly turn nice around November? Then you can just get out on the water!
Terms
However, there are some important conditions attached to the first option. When you leave the boat in the water during the winter, you need to make sure that the boat is in still water where no ice can form. In addition, the construction type of the boat will need to be considered. Solidly built steel and polyester boats are best suited for the first option of leaving in the water. Lightly-built wooden boats are better off being put ashore in winter.
Precautions
The most important precaution to take when the boat is left in the water is to pay extra attention to valves and possibly faucets. Underwater valves for the galley drain, engine cooling water supply and toilet should be closed. In addition, the hoses are taken off and the valves should be dried.
If it is not possible to take the hoses off, some antifreeze can be added to the hoses. This includes the need to open the valve so that it can be concluded with certainty that the space inside the valve itself is also filled with liquid.
Finally, the boat is covered against weather and wind. All loose parts on the boat are removed from the boat at this time. During the winter period, check regularly that the boat is still securely fastened and that the cover sheet is still in place.
Wintering on shore
In addition to winterizing in the water, there is also the option of taking the boat on shore and keeping the vessel there during the winter period.
Advantages
The main advantage of wintering ashore is that maintenance work can be done on the boat. Boats taken out of the water should be immediately hosed down with a pressure washer so that all debris is removed. Once the boat is sprayed clean it can be put into its winter place. In doing so, it is important to prop it up properly so that it cannot fall over. When the boat is on shore it is a good time to paint the boat and repair bad spots in the wood or steel, polyester boats are waxed.
Precautions
The last step is to cover the boat properly, the cover sheet should be large enough to cover the entire boat. Make sure the cover sheet is tightly secured, otherwise damage may occur.
Whether you leave a boat in the water or on shore, make sure all loose parts are off board. In addition, you should make sure that everything is properly cleaned and lubricated if necessary. You can get yourself advice on all measures or you can take a look on the Internet. That way you won't have any surprises when you use the boat again next year.
Boat insurance terms and conditions
Almost every boat insurance company requires you to exercise normal caution for the boat and its contents. This includes taking sufficient measures to prevent and/or limit damage. Taking timely technical and organizational measures due to winter conditions and influences is an example of this. Winter conditions include frost, hail, ice formation, snow, frost formation, ice formation, storm, high water and low water.
More information about specific preventive measures you should take can be found in your boat insurance policy terms and conditions. Can't figure it out? Please contact us. We are happy to help!
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