Protect your boat during winter storage
When storing your boat outdoors during the winter months, it is important that the boat is protected from weather and wind. Boats are made for the water and can withstand both rain and storms. However, when the temperature drops during the winter, the water cannot evaporate from the boat in the same way as during the summer. This can create major problems. Water that pools in crevices and cavities expands when it freezes into ice, which can lead to frost damage in the boat.
Various cover products for boat lay-up
There are many different types of cover products on the market and every boat owner has their favourite. The most common types are an ordinary tarpaulin, a boat tarpaulin, and a boat cover. If you choose to buy a tarpaulin or cover, you should make sure it fits your boat, otherwise there is a risk that moisture will get under the cover and cause damage. Some boat owners also use boat tents and garage tents when storing their boats for the winter. If you have an outboard motor, it’s a good idea to also fit a protective cover over it.
Covering product materials
Boat tarpaulins and boat covers are usually made of polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyester. Many consider polyester to be a good choice due to its breathability and resistance to abrasion, UV radiation, and moisture. Boat tarpaulins made of PVC are also very popular. They are durable, UV resistant and waterproof. Tarpaulins made of polyethylene are water resistant and UV resistant. There are many opinions about which materials and which covering products are best. Our advice is that you try out the covers to determine which material best suits your boat.
Make sure that the cover slopes on the sides so that water and snow can run off, otherwise there is a risk of snow and water accumulating, which can damage the tarpaulin or cover. You can easily create an adequate slope by using a cover stand or tarpaulin rods. Also make sure that the cover does not catch a lot of wind. In the worst case, the boat may tip over or the cover may blow apart. Never attach the cover to the boat’s trestles and struts!
Jacks and trestles for boat lay-up
When setting up the boat for the winter, it must be placed on a boat rack, which consists of trestles or jacks made of wood or steel. There are many different boat jacks, trestles and rack systems on the market, but the most important thing is that you choose a system that has good hull protection, suits your boat type, and is safe to use.
Frequently asked questions about Boat lay-up
How is a boat stored outdoors over the winter?
Place the boat in a cradle, on boat jacks or on trailer, empty the boat and cover it well.
How can a boat be stored on a trailer over the winter?
If you store your boat on a trailer over the winter, it may be good to jack up the trailer to take stress off the tyres. You can also remove them completely, which also reduces the risk of theft.
When should the boat be retrieved from the water for winter storage?
There is no specific date you should retrieve your boat, but you should do so in the autumn before storms come and the cold settles. You can avoid the long queues at the retrieval points by being out early.
