Winter is finally upon us, and whilst some are thankful for the cooler change, your boat needs a little extra love and care for the colder months. Whilst our winters are not as extreme, you still need to take some steps to ensure your boat doesn’t suffer any weather damage this winter. If damage does happen, bring your boat down to Advanced Fibreglass Techniques for the team to take a look. In the meantime, we have put together some tips and tricks to help keep your boat in tip top shape this winter, so you can be ready to hit the water again in a few short months.
Rinse and Dry
Getting that salt of your boat is the first step in getting your boat ready for winter. Rise the boat and the trailer with fresh water and pay special attention to places where salt can build up, like the hubs, brakes and springs, as these are constantly in and out of the water when you are launching or retrieving your boat. Check your tailer for any extra holes in the framework, whether they were necessary for new wiring or accessories, these are great places for salt to build up and start to corrode your trailer. Hull cleaner will also help that waterline stain disappear, just be careful with the cleaner when applying it as it can often damage the galvanised coating of your trailer.
You should also look to flush out the cooling system for your engine. Be careful though, this should only be completed in line with manufacturers instructions.
Once your boat has had a thorough clean, make sure to wipe dry before putting the cover over. This helps prevent mould and mildew from sporing and making it one step harder to get back in the water in spring.
Fuel and Battery
Your fuel can go stale if left in storage, so it is a good idea to fill the tank and add stabiliser. This can also minimise condensation and prevent water from mixing with your fuel.
Next you should also look to remove the batteries from the boat whilst it is stored and connected them to a charger. This should give them an initial full charge and then a maintenance charge until they are ready to be put back in the boat. Alternatively, you could consider a solar charger for the batteries, meaning you do not have to remove them at all.
Cover and Secure
Possibly the most important final step, cover your boat when it is completely dry. This protects the surfaces on the boat from the weather, dirt and debris as well as any pollutants and protects the paint from fading in the sun or trees dropping leaves or bird poop. Make sure your cover is tight, the last thing you want is to discover a family of animals has made a home in the boat over winter.
Where you store your boat is equally as important. In your backyard, or storage shed are the best for security reasons. Take a look at trailer locks as well to prevent any opportunistic thieves. It may also be worth talking to your insurance company to see if they have a discounted premium for the winter months where the boat isn’t being used.
Mark, Nigel and the team provide our clients across industrial, private and commercial fibreglass our professional design and development services as part of the project. We enjoy the challenges presented in boat restoration and take great satisfaction in achieving the customer’s desired result. We use the latest techniques to repair your watercraft, whether it be a small cosmetic repair or a structural modification. Contact Mark or Nigel today, on (08) 8182 4877 or drop in for a no obligation free quote.