Publication date: 16/09/2024
Generally speaking, a boat is wintered for a period of 4 to 6 months, between October and April, when the season is no longer really favorable for navigation. The boat is then “winterized”: it is shut down and, in the case of dry wintering, placed on a quay with the help of bers, or deposited on racks in a dry wintering port.
The winter period is often an opportunity for the owner to carry out some maintenance work on his boat, or even a refit or repair.
Dry winterization of a boat, as opposed to winterization in the water, is the ideal solution for storing your unit for several months of the year. Your boat is protected from the many elements that could harm it: algae, shellfish, salt, other boats moored or sailing nearby…
This avoids unnecessary damage to your unit, prolongs its lifespan and, overall, limits the maintenance costs that will be necessary before you set sail again at the start of the following season.
A marina tailored to your project
You’ve decided to winterize your boat in a dry port?
The first step is to find the right dry dock for you. Take into account your geographical location, the characteristics of your vessel, and your plans to store your boat on racks or bers.
You’ll need to select a harbor facility where your boat will be safe. Depending on your project, it may be important for the dry port to be geographically close to your home.
To make your choice, ask yourself a few questions: for example, when do you expect to resume sailing next year? This winter, will you need regular access to your boat for repairs?
If you didn’t know, it’s worth noting that a boat can be stored on land both indoors and outdoors: in fact, there are solutions for storage in covered, enclosed sheds. Depending on the characteristics of your boat, storing it in an enclosed boathouse may be one of the best options for ensuring its preservation!
➡️ Read also:
The Port Napoléon boathouse, an exception in the French Mediterranean
Our marinas for dry boat wintering
As part of the Port Adhoc network, we have 11 marinas where we offer boat storage on dry land, on bers or on racks. Storage sites are located outdoors, or inside an enclosed boathouse.
In France :
- Port Adhoc Paimpol
- Port Adhoc Soubise
- Port Adhoc Bayonne Anglet
- Port Adhoc Leucate
- Port Napoléon
- Port Médoc
In the Netherlands :
- Marina Muiderzand
- Jachthaven Naarden
- Lelystad Haven
- Deko Marina Lelystad
In Sweden :
- Svinninge Marina
Please note: dry storage on bers or racks is a particularly popular boat storage option. Especially during the winter season! To make sure you benefit from our availability, please reserve your storage space as soon as possible.
Preparing the boat for wintering, still in the water
Once you’ve found your harbor, you can start preparing your boat for winter storage. Before taking your boat out of the water, you’ll need to carry out a number of important tasks:
- Sort it out! Inside and outside the boat, remove anything that won’t be used during the winter and is likely to deteriorate. Think about the effects of sun, rain and frost. Remove sails and upholstery, as well as anything that could be caught in the wind, such as solar panels. Also remove all electronics and other valuables. Store everything at home.
- Empty all the garbage cans on board, and take the opportunity to give the interior a thorough cleaning: this will avoid attracting pests, and ensure that the boat is kept in perfect condition. This will make de-wintering the boat the following season all the easier!
Out of the water
Depending on the marina concerned, you’ll need to reserve a slot for the boat’s berthing with the professionals in the port area. They will ensure that the appropriate handling equipment is available, depending on the size and weight of the boat.
It’s time to take your unit out of the water!
- With your boat out of the water, you can ask the harbor staff to place it temporarily in the careening area.
- You can then proceed to clean the exterior of your boat: hull and deck! Remove anything that may have settled on the hull – seaweed, shells and other dirt, brush the deck and rinse the whole area with clear water to remove any remaining salt. Once the hull is clean, you can apply a coat of protective wax to prevent dirt build-up.
- You’ll drain the water circuits, drinking water, grey water and black water tanks. You can use antifreeze to protect the circuits, and add a stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent degradation of the liquid during the few months of inactivity.
- Winterize your engine, ideally with the help of our professional marine mechanics at each of our marinas. For example, they’ll drain the cooling system and service the injectors.
- Disconnect the batteries and, if possible, remove them. Then store them in a dry, frost-free place. Depending on the battery model concerned, you may need to recharge them regularly during the winter.
- It’s also a good time to check your boat’s safety equipment and renew it if necessary.
- Before leaving the boat, close all portholes and deck hatches. Depending on winter conditions, you can install dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers inside the boat.
- Finally, you can add a breathable cover or protective awning to your vessel. An alternative is to wrap your entire unit in heat-shrink film, using boat wrapping.
Placing the boat on dry land
Depending on your vessel, its dimensions, your wishes and the availability of the wintering port, your boat can be positioned on bers – outdoors or indoors, or on racks.
Our professional port teams will ensure that your vessel is set up correctly. The attention of our staff will always be mobilized so as not to risk any damage to your unit, during handling and then throughout its storage period.
Finally, remember that for safety reasons, you can’t store any items underneath your boat. In fact, the floor space must be kept clear so that harbor crews can move boats as quickly as possible, should the need arise.
Do you still have questions about dry wintering your boat? The entire Port Adhoc team is at your disposal!
