When the summer season comes to an end, many boat owners think it is enough simply to put their boat into storage and wait for the following spring.
In reality, the winter period is one of the most important times for maintaining the value of the boat and planning all the necessary maintenance work to ensure the new season gets off to a smooth start.
This is precisely where winter storage comes into play.
What exactly is winter storage?
Winter storage is not simply a matter of leaving the boat out of the water during the colder months.
It involves a series of checks, inspections and maintenance tasks designed to protect the boat from the effects of the weather, damp, salt and wear and tear accumulated during the sailing season.
The aim is to keep the boat in perfect condition and prepare it as well as possible for its return to the water.
Why is winter the best time to take action?
Many problems that arise during the summer begin to develop during the months when the boat is out of action.
Minor leaks, worn components, systems requiring maintenance or surfaces in need of repair can worsen over time if they are not identified and dealt with properly.
Scheduling maintenance work during the winter allows you to:
• preserve the boat’s value;
• avoid breakdowns and unexpected problems when the season starts again;
• spread the work out without rushing;
• have the boat ready to sail by spring.
What does proper winter storage involve?
Every boat has specific requirements, but generally a winter storage programme may include:
• general hull inspections;
• checks on the electrical and hydraulic systems;
• routine engine maintenance;
• thorough washing and cleaning;
• polishing and protection of surfaces;
• checks on safety equipment;
• preventative checks on components subject to wear and tear;
• refitting and cosmetic improvements.
Carrying out these checks whilst the boat is out of service allows any necessary work to be scheduled without affecting the sailing season.
Artemar’s winter storage service
At Artemar, winter storage is treated as a comprehensive programme of care for your boat.
Before storage begins, our qualified staff carry out a preliminary inspection to identify any issues and work with the owner to determine the most appropriate course of action.
In addition to storing the boat in a protected and controlled environment, you can request routine and major maintenance services, refitting, mechanical repairs, cosmetic work and comprehensive checks on the boat’s systems.
The aim is simple: to ensure that the boat owner finds their vessel ready to return to the water at the start of the new season.
Don’t wait until the last minute
Every year, many boat owners find themselves rushing around as the season approaches, having to deal with maintenance, inspections and urgent repairs within a tight timeframe.
Planning your winter storage in advance, on the other hand, means having more time to organise the necessary work and look forward to the new season with peace of mind.
For more information on our winter storage, mooring and maintenance services, the Artemar team is on hand to help you find the solution best suited to your boat.
