Western Australia may not have harsh winters, but winterisation still matters. Cooler months can affect your boat’s condition. Even with decent weather for fishing and sailing, many choose to store their boats. If that’s your plan, use this guide to prepare properly.
Winterisation Basics
If you’ve owned a boat, you’re likely familiar with the fact that the end of the boating season kicks off with winterisation. This means preparing your boat before pulling it out of the water during the colder months. The first step we recommend is to get the storage facility ready to park your boat. Give it a good clean and make sure it’s set up for storing your vessel. Once the storage is ready, it’s time to pull the boat out of the water and clean it up.
The main task to keep in mind is to fully drain all systems on the boat that may hold water, including the engine, propulsion system, tanks, plumbing, and even the hull itself.
Getting the boat out of the water
Before storage, remove any damp items from inside the boat. Take out towels, toys, clothes, and life jackets. This helps prevent mould, mildew, and musty smells from forming during storage.
Clear out all rubbish and leftover food. Check small spaces for crumbs or snacks, especially if children have been aboard. Remove empty containers and clean all surfaces. This helps keep insects and pests away.
Dry the seats and cushions completely. This stops moisture from building up and reduces the chance of mould. Clean the outside of the boat right after taking it out of the water. This removes marine growth before it sticks. Marine build-up is easier to clean now than when it dries and hardens over time.
Winterisation: Time for Upgrades and Maintenance
Winter is the perfect time to upgrade your boat or give it a full maintenance check.
Check your fluids: Just like a high-performance car, your boat needs a good fluid check before heading into storage. Change the oil to get rid of any nasties like water or acid, flush the cooling system with clean water, and finish up with a fresh dose of antifreeze.
Fogging oil is a good mate: Give the engine a turnover without firing it up, then apply fogging oil into the carburettor and through the spark plug holes. It’s a smart move to protect the smaller engine components while the boat’s not in use, as they can be expensive to repair.
Remove drive belts: Don’t let tight drive belts ruin your boat’s downtime! Remove them before storage, or if that’s tricky, simply loosen them to ease the pressure and avoid cracks.
Prepare your fuel system: Want an easy way to protect your boat during storage? Top off the fuel, fit a fresh fuel filter, and add marine fuel stabiliser. A clean, full fuel system now means less stress and more fun when you’re back on the water.
Check your batteries: Winter battery care keeps your boating season hassle-free. Either remove the batteries and charge them properly at home with a matched charger, or fit a solar trickle charger and leave them in the boat. Proper battery care now means no nasty surprises later.
Check your boat over: Even if you’re not using your boat in winter, it still needs attention. Check it periodically, especially after bad weather. A little inspection now could save you big repair costs later.
Check your boat insurance: Winter is a great time to review your existing boat insurance, ensuring it still fits your needs. Having the right coverage provides peace of mind for the season ahead.
Looking after your boat is crucial for both safety and enjoyment on the water. In Perth, you’ll find plenty of services offering full maintenance and repairs, from engine care to hull inspections and electrical fixes. At Chivers Marine, we’ll make sure your vessel is ready for your next adventure once spring arrives. Use this time to prepare for the next boating season, give your boat some love and you’ll be ahead of the game when the warmer weather rolls in.
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