After a wonderful sailing period, winter is approaching again. In winter, you have the choice to leave your boat in the water, but you can also take it out of the water. In both cases, you must prepare the boat for winter to prevent damage and other problems. But how do you prepare a boat for winter in the Netherlands? In this text, we will discuss the most important matters that need to be arranged.
Preparing your motorcycle for winter
Of course, as a boat owner, you know which regular maintenance activities need to be carried out. Think of changing the oil, replacing filters and other minor maintenance tasks. However, it is important to carry out additional maintenance activities for the winter.
In the Netherlands it regularly freezes in the winter. The frost can cause damage to the boat. That is why you need to make the engine frost-proof. Do you have a closed cooling system? Then the cooling system is filled with liquid and then you run little risk.
With an open cooling system this is different. Water is sucked in from outside. This is done to cool the engine, but the water should not remain in the system in the winter. So carry out the necessary work and use safe antifreeze products.
Toilets and drinking water
It is important not to use toxic antifreeze products for the water systems. Toxic antifreeze products are particularly bad for your health, so check carefully whether you have a healthy version.
In addition, you must of course also pump the toilet dry. Water can also continue to get into the bends and ridges of the toilet. That is why you must disconnect the hose from the winter inlet and hang it in a reservoir of antifreeze. Then pump the antifreeze product through the toilet. You must of course also close everything off properly afterwards. Also prevent damage to the pipes and let them drain.
Cleaning hull and deck
Many boat owners forget to clean the hull and deck properly. First of all, you have to clean them properly with the right products. In the winter, dirt can get stuck and then it is difficult to get it clean at all.
Is there any paint peeling off somewhere on the roof? Then touch it up before the winter. This will prevent extra painting after the winter. It is also advisable to use a tarpaulin. Water can remain in corners and cracks and then freeze. This can cause irreparable damage to the deck.
The equipment of the boat
You should also take good care of the boat's equipment. Do you have cushions on board? Then take them off the boat and store them in your garage, for example. If you leave the cushions on board, there is a good chance that they will get moldy due to the large amount of moisture. Also remove food and other perishable products from the boat. This also applies to bottles and cans, because they can freeze in the winter.
General maintenance tips
In the previous paragraphs we have given several maintenance tips. Of course, the tasks can differ per type of boat. It is especially important to see where water can remain and then solve that problem. This will significantly reduce the chance of damage to the boat.
Boat in or out of the water?
Many boat owners wonder whether it is better to keep the boat in the water or to take it out of the water. Of course, you have to make your own decision, but according to experts, it is wiser to take your boat out of the water. This is advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it can prevent moisture damage. In addition, maintenance can be carried out on the boat during the winter months.
However, there is also something to be said for leaving your boat in the water. This is a lot cheaper. It can be quite complicated to get the boat out of the water. There are often costs involved. You also have to rent a storage place for the boat.
