Apart from those who have a job that
has to do with water, or those who are committed winter sailors, if
you have a boat, there’s a high likelihood that you’re somehow
looking for a way to take care of it during winter. We’ve put
together a useful checklist to assist you in preparing for winter and
ensuring that you have less of the hassle that comes with starting a
new boating season.
Regardless if you’re keeping your boat ashore or on a berth, we hope this list will
be of great assistance. Besides, it might seem and feel like an
overwhelming task to prepare your boat for this winter.
- Choose the location you’ll store
your boat. Regardless if you’re looking to keep your boat
ashore or on a berth, Milford Marina has a variety of options for
winter berthing and boatyard storage, depending on your needs.
- Ensure that you update your
insurance as needed. You should also read and understand the
terms and conditions that apply to your policy with regard to winter
storage. It’s also prudent to double-check all the things that your
policy does (and doesn’t) cover, wherever you decide to store your
boat during winter.
- Prepare your engine for winter by
taking the necessary step of servicing the engine, stern gear (or
leg) and gearbox, and replacing your impeller. It’s also
prudent to take a small inspection of all the other mechanical
systems, including the steering and any trim systems when winter
nears so that you can keep off from any potential problems when
summer comes. For those who need any assistance or guidance, you can
contact the Marina Team who can connect you with our on-site marine
service businesses.
- Check if there’s any boatyard
available and if there is, book your space. Booking a space early
is very important since boatyards tend to get really busy during
winter. Usually, there’s an added 10-weeks free boatyard storage
for 12-month contract holders. However, you can also get
boatyard-only contracts at £2.65 per meter, every week.
- Prepare for hard storage.
Ensure to check the condition of the legs, cradle, or trailer that
you’ll keep your boat on. If you’re using a trailer, make sure
that you test the brakes, safely inflate the tires and ensure that
they’re in good condition. Make sure that you notify the Marina
Team if you decide to use Milford Marina Boatyard keep your boat and require to hire
chocks or cradles.
- If need be, schedule a boat lift
to transport your boat to the Boatyard. You should also notify
the Marina Team in case you’re looking to tow your boat out of the
water onto the slipway all by yourself since boat lifts in this area
tend to be tricky during the busy winter.
- Maintain the
security of your boat. If it’s on a berth, consider secure
lines, and fenders, make sure the cradle is in good condition and if
not look for a yacht cradle for sale and ensure your mooring lines have
rubber snubbers to lower the effects of winter weather. For those who
are keeping their boat ashore, ensure that it’s safely chocked and
that any lines, halyards, and covers are securely stowed.
- Make sure that you clean your
boat. When lifting out your boat, you’ll need to wash it down,
especially if it has been in the water for a considerably long time.
If it’s already winter and you’re lifting out your boat, ensure
to get rid of any weed and barnacles from your hull before you keep
it. For those who are storing their boat(s) this winter at Milford
Marina, you could book and hold a lift any time such that you can
wash it at the top of the slipway and still inspect it for any
problems. Don’t forget to empty and clean the fridge inside your
boat to prevent mildew growth.
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