Essential steps to protect your vessel through the winter months

Why is Winterisation So Important?

Proper winterisation is essential to keep your boat or yacht in good condition for many years. It involves preparing your vessel for the off-season to protect it from damage caused by cold winter temperatures, water and corrosion. Failing to winterise your vessel can result in costly repairs in the spring that delay you getting back out onto the water.
“Winterisation is a vital process that can prevent costly damage to your boat or yacht during the winter months” says Dan Nelson, Southern Power’s Service Technical Manager. Here are some tips for winterising right, direct from Dan.

Engine Maintenance

Dan can’t stress this enough: “Proper engine maintenance is crucial for keeping your vessel in top condition during the off-season.” Follow these tips for winterising your engine:

  • Flush the engine with fresh water and, for inboard motors or stern drives, do a final flush with antifreeze.
  • Add fuel stabiliser to the tank to ensure the fuel doesn’t degrade during the off-season. Run the motor for five minutes to mix the stabiliser, then shut off the fuel valve to run the remaining fuel out of the engine.
  • Apply fogging oil to the carburetor while it is warm to the touch. Remove spark plugs and spray fogging oil through the spark plug holes inside the spark plug cylinders. Replace the fuel filter and wipe any excess grease and grime off the engine.

Hull and Propeller Inspection

Inspect your vessel’s propeller for any visible damage, and clean the hull thoroughly. For fiberglass hulls, a wax coat will help protect against winter grime. Hand washing the hull is also an opportunity to inspect for any imperfections, dings or cracks that need immediate attention before the temperature drops, potentially worsening them.

Bilge Maintenance

Completely drain your vessel’s bilge and clean and dry the interior of the boat to remove all grit and debris. For boats with vinyl seats, treat the vinyl with a protectant.

Battery and Electronics Storage

Remove the battery and other electronics, such as sonar, and store them somewhere dry and protected from the cold. This will prevent damage to the electronics and prolong their lifespan.

Boat Cover

Cover your boat with a tarp and keep it sealed. It is essential that the inside is as dry as possible before covering your vessel. Just leave one or two small vents, to prevent condensation and moisture buildup.

Winterisation Procedures for Different Types of Engines

Winterisation best practices vary depending on what kind of engine or engines your vessel has. For example, winterising a four-stroke outboard involves carefully flushing it with fresh water and salt remover. Both the main lubricating oil and the lower-unit oil should be changed, so that dirty oil won’t corrode the engine over the winter, and any water that might be in the lower-unit oil won’t expand and cause damage.

Where to Store Your Boat

Depending on the size and type of your vessel, winter boat storage could be in your own driveway or garage, in a storage area run by your dealer or repairer, or possibly in a full-service boatyard or marina. If you have a wooden boat or one that you plan on still using occasionally during the winter, in-water boat storage might make sense. In many areas, this can be cheaper than having your boat hauled out – but make sure your insurance company allows it.
As a final tip, it is always a good idea to create a checklist of winterisation tasks specific to your vessel type. This can help ensure that you don’t miss any important steps in the process and can also serve as a useful reference for future years. By taking the time to properly winterise your boat or yacht, you can enjoy a stress-free off-season and have peace of mind knowing that your vessel will be well-protected and ready when the next boating season arrives.

“Today’s boats have revolutionised the boating experience by offering enhanced performance, increased fuel efficiency and modern conveniences. They use cutting-edge technologies and space-age materials that make them lighter, faster, and stronger. But they still need diligent maintenance.

While most winterising tasks can be handled by the average boat owner, if you feel uncertain or overwhelmed it’s best to consult a local reputable service dealer.

Southern Power can recommend the right service dealer wherever you are in S.A. Their qualified marine technicians will ensure that your vessel receives proper care. They share our mission: to provide boat owners with exceptional boating experiences, together with dedicated support.

Jacques Brϋmmer: CEO, Southern Power

Contact Southern Power for advice on winterisation or service dealers: Email us on service@southernpower.co.za or call 021 511 0653 | 021 510 3049.