After a great summer - get set to ‘lay-up’ your boat for the winter
It has been one of the best summers we can remember for being on the water, albeit at times in the brilliant sunshine there was not a lot of wind for the sailors.
However, as autumn begins, it’s time once again to plan for winter lay-up as the 2018 season comes to a close. Most boat owners have already booked space in their boat yard of preference or other storage space for the winter. If this hasn’t been done it’s important to do so now since many yards are already at capacity.
Yards offer choices in winter lay-up with options of mast removal and stowage, winter work requirements and undercover needs where available. Be prepared to work to the yard time-line, particularly for haul-out timings. If the hull can be pressure washed immediately on lifting out this will remove most of the fouling and giving a better preparation surface for next year so check this is offered.
To maintain your craft in a good, seaworthy condition, maintenance is essential so a planned programme of winter lay-up work will make sure all is good for the next season. If not carrying out this work yourself, or getting the boat yard to undertake, book in with the relevant independent marine services to make sure work is done.
Depending on whether your craft is sail or motor, some key areas need considered in your laying up work plan A
Keel, hull, topsides, deck, cockpit
Frost damage prevention
Interior
Sails
Rigging
Engine/batteries/blectrics
Safety equipment
lot of owners are fully competent to carry out most winter lay-up tasks themselves.
It’s always helpful to compile a basic check list to work though and have a list of equipment needed to carry out the tasks.
Keel/hull/topsides/deck/cockpit:
Pressure washing removes a lot of fouling/ eroding anti-fouling on lift-out. This gives a good preparatory surface for new anti-fouling in the spring. Remember to remove speed, transducer impellers before lift-out so there will be no damage from hoist strops. With the boat ashore it’s time to look for any damage to hull, keel, skeg or rudder and try to get repairs carried out whilst the weather and temperature conditions remain high. Check keel bolts, any play in the rudder/cutlass bearings and the prop-shaft.
Although our rainfall is abundant, it’s a good idea to wash down the whole boat and apply a protective wax on the topsides. Not only does this protect from winter dirt but it makes polishing a lot easier in the spring. The cockpit should be cleaned thoroughly since it will invariably be the dirtiest being the most used. If any paint or woodwork here and on deck needs touched up, it’s as well to do now if conditions allow. Many people then cover their boat which can also keep the vessel in good condition.
However, make sure covers are well secured and allow for ventilation and look out for any chafing at regular intervals. Some yards will shrink wrap but allow an area of access so you can continue to work inside.
Ensure the cradle, trailer or support legs are secure and the trim of the boat is slightly bow up to make sure water won’t run forward and ‘puddle’ in the cockpit. Regular inspection over the winter is important in case cockpit drains get blocked by leaves/ debris and water builds up.
Water systems and prevention of freezing damage:
Last year was a very cold winter for the west coast so prevention of freezing damage is essential. Anything that holds or carries water – ie pipes and tanks, pumps and strainers must be fully drained. Flush water systems through with a water sanitizer first. Flush heads through, drain and lubricate disconnecting hoses to allow them to ‘breathe’. Pump dry if necessary. Drain down any water heaters or calorifiers. Flush seacocks through to remove salt build up and grease. Remove the barrels from traditional style seacocks to prevent them seizing. If in any doubt as to how to do these safely, get the yard or an independent operator to help.
Interior:
With boats increasing in size and sophistication the interior is increasingly used and needs to be kept clean and pristine. Installing a de-humidifier and heater will keep the interior warm and dry. Some owners choose to remove as much equipment as possible and take home and store. This has the benefit of seeing if equipment needs cleaned or replaced. Clear plastic stack boxes are good to allow inspection of contents which should all be cleaned before packing – boxes can be easily brought back to the boat in the spring. Berth cushions and soft furnishings in particular are
suspect to mould over the winter and will benefit from a freshen up and storage at home. Some owners like to stay on the boat during the winter so need to keep the interior fitted out.
Lockers, bilges, cookers and toilets should all be washed down – some people advise a weak bleach mixture to prevent mould. There are a number of good items available for this purpose from your chandler. Always ventilate the boat well and do any touch up work inside when weather permits. List any items required for the 2019 season or you will forget.
Check gas systems on board are up to standard with a qualified gas engineer. Now is a good time to check fire extinguishers and replace as necessary to keep up to safety specifications.
Sails:
Check over all your sails and seek advice from your local sail loft on any that look suspect. Sail cleaning is offered and even storage but if taking home make sure they are kept in a dark, warm, well-ventilated area away from rodents.
And, if you need new sails have a chat with your local sailmaker and get your order in quickly. There’s often a discount period at this time of year.
Rigging:
It’s essential to keep an eye on wear in both standing and running rigging and deck gear overall and replace as required. Check sheaves, swages, split-pins and spreader mounts for any corrosion and replace if suspect. Wash everything with fresh water. Substitute halyards with messenger lines to aid longevity. Inspect for chafe and wash and dry halyards/ sheets before storing in a dry place. If the mast is stored off the boat it’s easier to check masthead instrumentation and that rigging blocks are running freely. Grease to prevent water ingress. It’s always a good idea to remove anchors and chain to look for any damage or wear – these can be stored on a pallet below the boat washing first with fresh water to remove salt and dirt. Service anchor winches and check over chain links and shackles for wear. If the weather is good this is an ideal time to paint out the anchor locker for the spring.
Engines, batteries, electrics:
Winterising is essential to good engine maintenance and both inboard and outboard engines need this done. An oil change is standard. New oil prevents internal corrosion and protects the engine standing over the winter. Yard or independent engineers will do this for you if you lack time or confidence to carry out yourself.
The outboard should be flushed through with fresh cooling water and antifreeze/water mix. Remove the impeller and plug the air and exhaust outlet with an oil soaked rag. Fill fuel tanks to prevent condensation and add a biocide. Change filters as required and bleed system for next season. Change engine and gearbox oil and make a note of the date of change. Minimise condensation by spraying the engine with a moisture repellent like WD40 and cover with a cloth. Put batteries on a trickle charge and if not needed onboard, take home and sit in a place that won’t freeze. Electrics/ instrumentation on board should be looked over and any problems checked out by an electronics engineer and repaired or renewed.
Safety equipment:
Given the importance of all safety gear, it’s imperative to overhaul everything. Inspect lifejackets, harnesses and safety gear replacing anything that looks suspect. It’s advisable to store lifejackets partially inflated over the winter – that way any leaks can be detected and the outer covering won’t deteriorate. Check jacket bottles for corrosion and replace as required – kits are available from chandlers. See your flares are in date and replace for next season if required. Store flare packs in a dry area and dispose of old flares through official collection depots. Life rafts should be removed and serviced by an authorised centre on their due date. Clean and repair dinghy tenders, storing partially inflated.
Seasoned boat owners will go through all the above as routine but for those new to the sector it is re-assuring to know there is plenty of help and advice on hand from a range of sources – boat-yard operators, service engineers, boat builders, chandlers and sail-makers. If there is anything you’re unsure about these are the experts so don’t hesitate to ask if you need to.
And once your boat is laid up safely with all maintenance in hand, you can relax and make plans for the boating season in 2019 and hope the weather will be as good as this year.