Winterising your Yacht – look after your boat and save money with compareboatinsurance.co.uk
by Sarah Heron 3 Dec 2025 08:00 PST
Under sail at sea © InsureMy
We're now firmly in winter's grip. Spring seems a long way off, and over the winter there's plenty of essential maintenance for your boat to avoid freeze damage, moisture problems, and corrosion. Here's a handy check list from Compare Boat Insurance to ensure you start the new season safely and enjoyably, as well as maintaining the value and condition of your prized vessel.
Cover from the UK's best insurers
Compareboatinsurance.co.uk can't protect you from the elements but they can offer tailored cover from the UK's leading boat insurers, comparing providers to create a bespoke quote for you and providing peace of mind whatever happens at sea or on your mooring.
Their easy-to-use online form means you can receive tailored quotes from top marine insurers in a few minutes, whether you're a coastal sailor, off-shore racer or cruiser.
Once you're covered, here's their handy check list of jobs to do this winter.
Engine and Fuel System
A full service should include a change of engine oil and filter, changing the gearbox/drive oil, flushing the engine with fresh water and running non-toxic antifreeze through the raw-water side.
It's worth checking and cleaning the raw-water strainer, and adding some fuel to reduce condensation as well as fuel stabiliser if you wont' be using your boat for a few months.
If you have a Saildrive, the zinc anodes will need checking.
Water systems
All systems should be drained and filled with non-toxic (pink) marine antifreeze
Bilge and Interior
Take out all fabrics, make sure the cupboards are empty of food, clean and dry the bilges. A dehumidifier is a handy way of keeping everything dry.
Batteries
Fully charge all batteries, and apply corrosion protection spray
Rigging and Deck
Wash salt off all deck gear, furling gear, and standing rigging, check halyards, sheets, and running rigging for wear, remove sails and store them somewhere dry and rodent free. Winches, blocks and travellers will all need checking and lubricating, and steering cables and sheaves checked for corrosion.
Hull and underwater gear
Haul out your yacht if you can for a pressure wash and some fresh anti-foul.
Lastly, using a winter cover that allows ventilation will keep your boat clean and dry, ready for Spring, and remember that secure storage can bring down your premium.
Compare Boat Insurance offer comprehensive cover for a wide range of watercraft including: yachts, cruisers, motorboats, speedboats and narrowboats as well as smaller crafts such as RIBs, canoes and kayaks. To receive tailored quotes from top marine insurers visit compare-boat-insurance.co.uk or give them a call on 01608 647806