A boat that gets through the winter well goes back in the water in spring with no surprises: the engine starts, the systems are dry and the hull is clean. Almost all the faults discovered at launch come from a job skipped in autumn. This guide sets out in order the tasks to carry out when the boat comes out of the water and those to do before putting it back in the sea.
Just out of the water: the hull
The best time to clean the hull is right after hauling out, when algae and fouling are still wet and come off with a pressure washer. If they are left to dry, they become hard and need a scraper and sanding.
- Washing the hull, topsides and deck with fresh water, to remove salt and residue.
- Sacrificial anodes: check them and note down any that are more than half worn, to be replaced before launch. You will find them in the section anodes for hulls, shafts and propellers.
- Propeller, shaft and through-hulls: check play, seals and valves while the boat is out of the water and easy to work on.
The engine
Inboard
- Oil and filter change with the engine warm: used oil contains acids that stay in contact with the internal parts over the winter. You will find oil filters and fuel filters for the most common engines.
- Cooling circuit: run fresh water through it to remove the salt. If the boat is kept in an area where it freezes, fill the circuit with antifreeze, following the engine manufacturer's instructions.
- Pump impeller: remove it or replace it. If left in the same position for months, it becomes deformed and pumps poorly in spring.
Outboard
- Flushing the circuit with fresh water using the appropriate flushing muffs.
- Changing the lower unit oil: if it comes out milky, there is water in it, and the seal must be checked before the season.
- Greasing the points indicated in the manual, and an engine cover to protect it from sun, dust and damp.
Fuel
An almost empty tank leaves room for damp air, which condenses and introduces water into the diesel or petrol. It is better to leave it full, with a stabiliser additive. In the section marine engine oils and additives you will find the specific products.
Batteries
Cold does not discharge a healthy battery, but a battery left flat for months is ruined, and if it freezes it can be damaged. Before laying up:
- charge it fully and disconnect the terminals, or use the battery isolator switch;
- if you can, take it home and store it somewhere dry;
- if it stays on board, connect a maintenance charger that keeps it charged without overcharging it.
If a battery no longer holds its charge at launch, in the section engine and service batteries you will find replacements.
Fresh water, water heater and onboard services
Water left in the pipes, in the water heater and in the pumps can freeze and crack fittings and tanks.
- drain the fresh water tanks, water heater and pressure system;
- open all the taps and run the pump dry for a few seconds;
- where water remains, use a non-toxic antifreeze suitable for drinking water systems;
- empty and clean the marine toilet and the black water tank.
Deck, interiors and sails
- Sails and cushions: wash them with fresh water, let them dry thoroughly and store them somewhere dry. Folded away damp, they go mouldy.
- Interiors: leave lockers and cupboards open and remove food and fabrics. Damp shut inside the boat for months is the main cause of mould and bad smells.
- Cleaning: boat cleaning products remove salt and dirt from gelcoat, steel and fabrics before laying up.
The cover
A good boat cover protects against rain, leaves and sun. Two precautions make all the difference:
- it must let air through: a covered boat without ventilation develops condensation under the cover;
- it must be taut and raised, with a central support, so that water runs off and does not pool.
Before launch: the spring checklist
- Hull: sand the damaged areas, then apply the primer where needed and the antifouling. Observe the overcoating and launch times given on the product's technical data sheet.
- Anodes: replace any that are worn.
- Seals: check through-hulls, portholes and deck hardware and redo the seals where needed with marine sealants.
- Engine: refit the impeller, check belts and hoses and run a test on land with the flushing muffs or with water from the tap.
- Batteries: refit them fully charged and check the terminals.
- Safety equipment: check the expiry dates of flares, fire extinguishers and liferaft.
All the products for these tasks are gathered in the section boat maintenance and winter storage. If you have any doubt about a spare part or its compatibility with your engine, write to me: I will help you choose.