For a smooth 2026 season,
consider winter storage!
As the boating season draws to a close, a crucial step looms:
WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT
Discover our tips for worry-free winterization, whether you own a sailboat, motorboat, or RIB.
1. Internal preparation: emptying, cleaning, and protecting
To prevent moisture, mold, and theft, it is essential to remove everything:
Check for leaks: Check that portholes, panels, and doors are closed and sealed.
Check valves: Make sure your valves are watertight and properly closed to prevent your boat from sinking during the winter.
Ventilation: Ensure that your boat is sufficiently ventilated and that your vents are operational. Remember to leave doors and cupboards open.
Safety and comfort equipment: Remove life jackets, upholstery, bedding, etc.
Electronic equipment: Store GPS, VHF, and other devices in a dry place.
Batteries: If possible, store them in a dry, well-ventilated place. Regular charging will extend their life. Not taking care of them during the winter is a common cause of failure when restarting.
Inventory: Take advantage of this tidying up to make an inventory of your safety equipment and check the expiration dates.
2. Engine maintenance: The heart of your boat
The engine is often the most sensitive part of your boat and requires special care to avoid costly breakdowns.
Desalting: Run the engine in fresh water to remove salt. (specific to outboard motors).
Oil change and filters: Drain the engine oil and crankcase oil, then change the oil and fuel filters.
Lubrication: Lubricate the engine block and grease the moving parts.
Fuel: Empty the fuel tank and carburetor OR fill it completely, adding an anti-algae additive to limit condensation.
General maintenance: Change the filters, anodes, and water pump impeller. (And why not have a service done at the end of winter…)
3. Dry storage or wet storage: how to choose?
The choice of storage location is crucial and depends on your budget, your boat, and your needs.
Dry winter storage: This is the safest solution. On a dry dock or in a shipyard, your boat is protected from the elements, which reduces the risk of salt corrosion. It also makes maintenance and repairs easier.
In-water storage: Less expensive and more accessible, this option exposes the boat to more exposure to the elements (salt, wind, waves). If you choose this solution, here are our recommendations:
Disconnecting your boat
This is an important and mandatory safety rule. Boats must not remain connected when no one is on board in order to reduce the risk of fire.
As stated in Article 19 of the port police regulations: It is strictly forbidden to leave any electrical connection in place when the owner or guardian of the boat is absent.
Secure the mooring
A secure mooring prevents the boat from being damaged or breaking loose during winter storms. Make sure your mooring lines are in good condition and keep you at a safe distance from the dock. It is recommended that you double the mooring lines and add cross lines. Don’t forget to take into account the differences in pressure that can occur in winter and cause the water level to vary.
Check the fenders
Fenders in good condition and in sufficient numbers protect the hull from rubbing against the dock or neighboring boats.
Take down the sails
It is strongly recommended that you remove the sails and store them in a dry place. A sail that accidentally unfurls in the wind can tear and create a dangerous situation.
Minimize wind resistance
Anything that can be removed from the deck should be removed. The fewer items there are that could be torn off, the less potential debris there will be in the harbor, the less damage there will be to your boat, and the less risk there will be to other users.
Tighten the halyards
Halyards that are too loose or not properly spaced from the mast will flap against it in the wind, which can cause premature wear and tear, as well as a lot of noise.
Collective vigilance
It is important to check your boat regularly, either by the owner or by a caretaker, but also to keep an eye on neighboring boats. If you notice a problem on a neighboring boat, immediately inform the harbor master’s office to protect all users.
By adopting these practices, not only will you find your boat in perfect condition in the spring, but you will also be actively contributing to safety, environmental preservation, and good port management during the winter months.
Need help? Call in the professionals!
If you lack the time or skills, don’t hesitate to entrust this task to professionals.
By planning now, you can enjoy peace of mind all winter long and return to the water with confidence as soon as the warm weather arrives.
Happy winter storage to all!
