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At the beginning of the season: Winterizing boats and yachts – but doing it right!

The off-season is always upon us. And experience shows that the date for winterizing and launching in the new year approaches faster than some owners would like. SeaHelp shows what is important.

Tip: now is the right time to purchase spare parts and accessories and, if necessary, order new sails!

At the end of March/beginning of April, it is that time again for many sports skippers: the boats are prepared for the season, followed by launching – the beloved floating vessels are put into the water. In April, many sailors often already have the celebratory sailing trip and the first regattas. But whether you have a smaller boat (up to 7 meters in length) or a larger yacht, there are a few things you should consider when winterizing them before the next season begins, before the next sailing trip starts, in order to avoid complications.

Checking engines and fuel systems

First of all, the engines and fuel systems should be checked. The German Powerboat Association DMYV advises that the following questions should be answered:

  • Are there any cracks or tears in the fuel lines, filler hoses or drain hoses?
  • Are all the connections tight, are the lines routed correctly, are there any potential chafe marks?
  • Are the fuel tanks, pumps and filters tight, are all the clamps correctly attached?

Check the electrics and control system

In addition, the exhaust manifold should not show any signs of rust, cracks or wear; otherwise, it may need to be replaced. Rubber boots and bellows on Z-drives and saildrives should be in perfect condition. Battery terminals should be clean and well greased.

Electrical connections should be checked for corrosion. For petrol engines, it should be checked that the bilge blower and emergency stop function properly and that the engine starts correctly. Finally, the spark plugs should be in acceptable condition (and all have the same characteristics).

Check propeller, steering and control system before the season

In addition, the propeller, steering and control system should be thoroughly checked during winterization. In particular, the propeller should not show any signs of cavitation (breakouts on the blades), advises the DMYV, and the mechanical or electronic control components, including the associated instruments, should be properly attached – and of course, working.

For outboard motors, check that the shaft and propeller are not damaged, that the steering is working properly, and that the oil level is okay. The outboard motor’s rubbers should also not show any cracks or wear, the anodes should not be damaged, and finally, the cable control sheathing should not show any cracks, swelling or kinks and should not be affected by corrosion.

Boat electrics: test battery, on-board power and lighting

When it comes to the boat’s electrics, you should make sure that the battery is watertight and has no cracks. The on-board electronics (power generators, chargers) should also work properly. Is the battery capacity on board and the power generation actually sufficient for all the devices present (including any that have been replaced)?

 

SeaHelp jump start: Problem battery with contacts are oxidized or corroded.
Moisture leads to corrosion. If the connections look like in this picture, the current flow is significantly impaired.

 

Cable guides, connections and holders should not show any signs of damage, and the risk of short circuits or reverse polarity should be safely excluded. Next, test the boat’s lighting and check the (sufficiently available and functional) spare parts, which should be available in the correct brightness and color. Is the electrically operated signal generator working properly? The ventilation systems on board should also be securely mounted, stable and dust-free – and, of course, working.

Checking safety equipment and nautical devices

A preliminary test of the nautical equipment and marine electronics should not be underestimated. Is there a reliable steering compass, bearing compass or other means of taking bearings on board? The required (paper) nautical charts, all documents and, in particular, the traffic regulations for the relevant area or shipping lanes should be up to date. Classic navigation tools should also always be on board for safety reasons (pencil, compass and protractor).

Other points to check: is the hardware and software up to date, are all devices in working order (echo sounder, chart plotter, GPS components, marine radio systems, fish finders, etc.)? For radio systems, it should be clarified whether a valid radio certificate is available. All electronic devices should be sufficiently protected against splashing water, and the visibility and readability of all screens and displays should be ensured.

Safety check on board before the start of the season

Before the start of the season, everything related to safety on board should be checked: is the gas system in order (and has it been serviced by a specialist at regular intervals, if necessary)? Are there enough functional ABC fire extinguishers on board? What about the shelf life of the first-aid kit? And: is the required number of life-saving appliances available for each crew member – and are they ready for use (interval check of automatic life jackets)?

SeaHelp Advantage Partners: In addition, SeaHelp offers its members an exclusive offer from our advantage partner MORITZ Sailmakers GmbH: If you bring your lifejacket here for servicing, you will receive the SeaHelp member discount of 10 percent!

 

Check for life jacket: discount at MORITZ Sailmakers GmbH
© MORITZ Sailmakers GmbH

 

You should also check whether there is a spare anchor with sufficient chain/line on board. The same applies to safety belts (lifebelts) with snap-hook carabiners on board. You should make sure that the most important signal flags and devices are on board (for inability to maneuver, anchoring, etc.). Are the bilge pumps in good condition and working properly? Is a bucket available? If there is an AIS (Automatic Identification System) on board – is it in working order? Are the pyrotechnic signaling devices carried still effective? Is there a radar reflector (active/passive) on board? In the event of being unable to maneuver: are at least two paddles or oars available? Are there binoculars on board?

The weather equipment (barometer, fog horn, radio for weather reports, clothing) should also be in good working order, there should be an adequate number of boat hooks and fenders on board, and splash-proof hand lamps including spare bulbs, batteries and chargers should also be available and in working order. Is the boat fuelled up? Is there enough reserve fuel and oil on board?

Important final checks before winterizing

A number of things should also be checked immediately before putting the boat or yacht back in the water: the hose connections should be checked again, the propeller lock should work perfectly (too much play indicates that the bearing is worn and needs to be replaced).

The outer skin of the boat should not show any damage, the seawater filter is tight and working. For inboard engines: the propeller shaft and stuffing boxes should be correctly seated and free from damage. Attention (often forgotten: the bilge screw (if present) should be screwed back in correctly.

Trailer and final check before launching

The only thing left to do is check the trailer: is the MOT still valid? Is the trailer free of damage and corrosion? The trailer tires should be in perfect condition, and the brake and warning lights, indicators, license plate illumination and spare lights should work.

In addition, you should check whether the belt and all attachment points can be used without restriction, whether the towing device (coupling) is in perfect condition, whether the wheel bearings and brakes have suffered any old damage due to water ingress, that the wire rope has no cracks, that the winch is functional and that the jockey wheel is working.

SeaHelp Guide: Trailer, but do it right!

If you also have up-to-date insurance cover for the boat and the area and the appropriate licenses, nothing should stand in the way of you having fun on the water in the new water sports season.

And if, despite careful preparation, something on board does not work as it should when you are on the water, don’t worry: just make a call (or make an emergency call using the practical SeaHelp app), and a SeaHelp response team will on its way to help you as quickly as possible – a reassuring feeling!

24-hour EMERGENCY CALL EUROPE: 0043 50 43 112

In an emergency, SeaHelp’s rescue boats can be called using the practical SeaHelp app or by calling the free emergency number for Europe 0043 50 43 112 (or the alternative European emergency number 00385 919 112 112).

Download SeaHelp-App:

SeaHelp-App mit der Notruffunktion für Android SmartphonesSeaHelp-App mit der Notruffunktion für Apple iPhone Smartphones

* Costs for terminal equipment or telecommunications services may apply.

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