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Right now is a fantastic time to carry out winter boat maintenance, as you likely won’t be out on the water as much during periods of cold or inclement weather. Use your time wisely, and you can complete all your maintenance jobs before spring, so you can get straight back out there when the better weather comes.
Carrying out boat maintenance is something that many people don’t think about until something goes wrong, but carrying out regular boat maintenance can mitigate risk and ensure there’s little chance of something going wrong.
Here are the main things to check…
Carry out a full inspection
The first thing to do is check your boat’s overall state. Take a thorough look around for any scratches, damage or anything else that needs to be repaired. If you notice any imperfections in the paintwork, be sure to repair these straight away, as these will only worsen over time and become larger issues.
Polish your boat
Did you know that polishing your boat makes it easier to clean throughout the rest of the year?
We recommend carrying out two polishes roughly four weeks apart for maximum results.
View our wide range of polish here if you need to stock up.
Check all your sealant
Carry out a visual inspection of all your sealant during your winter boat maintenance checks, and if you find any that has aged and is looking past its best, it’s probably a good idea to replace all your sealant that is of the same age. Every screw and fitting means a hole in your boat, and most leaks come from these rather than actual holes in your hull.
If you need to replace any sealant, you can buy from our range here.
Check your boat covers
Replace your boat covers if they are damaged, have developed holes or are just generally past their best. Covers are so important for protecting your hull from the elements when your boat is not in use.
Assess your boat ropes
Boat ropes can become frayed, damaged and therefore unsafe. If you find any areas that are stiff, discoloured, faded, worn or anything else, simply replace them, as it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to ropes.
Check out our full guide to rope checking and maintenance here.
Check your sails
A thorough check of your sails should be done at least once a year, and whilst you’re carrying out other winter boat maintenance, this is a perfect time to check them. We recommend removing the sails and giving them a thorough check, including all seams, stitching and the main part of the sail itself. If anything needs to be repaired, this should be done before using your boat again to ensure your safety and the safety of any passengers on board.
Carry out boat detailing
Carry out a full wash of your boat and use the right stain removers and cleaners on any areas that need them. Leaving any stains over winter can mean that they’ve become too difficult to remove by spring and will be there permanently.
Be sure to wax your boat’s hull and topsides during winter boat maintenance. This will help the longevity of your colour, whether gel and protect against the effects of oxidation, UV damage from the sun, salty spray from the sea and other elements too.
Check your fuel system
Winter boat maintenance should include a thorough check of your fuel system for any signs of corrosion, leaks or anything else. Be sure to inspect vent fittings, the vent hose, and clamps and if you find any signs of deterioration, repair or replace them.
Whether your boat needs a lick of paint, or something more challenging, we have a full range of tools and equipment to suit your every need. We provide a one-stop shop for boat maintenance and repairs from repair tape to paint. View our range of winter boat maintenance tools and equipment here.
