As the colder months approach, it’s important to give your boat a bit of care before tucking it away for the season. Preparing it properly now can save you time, money, and stress next spring. Our simple, three-step guide will help you protect your boat from the cold, keep it clean, and make sure it’s ready for the open water again next season.
Step 1: Protect the engine & fuel system
Freezing temperatures and moisture can cause significant damage to your boat’s engine, fuel lines, and internal components if not properly treated. By following these essential steps, you can prevent corrosion, cracking, and other cold-weather issues.
Boat winterisation checklist:
- Add antifreeze: Protect the engine and cooling system from freezing with a marine-safe, non-toxic antifreeze.
- Recommended products:
Starbrite Antifreeze 50° (3.79L, Pink, Non-Toxic) 
- Stabilise your fuel: Fuel deteriorates over time, leading to deposits and clogged lines. Adding a stabiliser keeps your petrol or diesel fresh throughout storage.
- Recommended products:
- Use fogging oil: Fogging oil coats internal engine components to prevent rust and corrosion during long periods of inactivity.
- Recommended products:
- Change your engine oil:Â Old oil can contain acids and contaminants that damage your engine. Always replace it before winter storage.Â
- Recommended products:
Step 2: Clean & repair
Before covering your boat, a thorough clean and inspection will help prevent mould, mildew, and corrosion. Addressing small issues now avoids expensive repairs when you bring your boat out next spring.Â
Cleaning & maintenance checklist:
- Clean the bilge: Remove oil, grime, and water from the bilge to prevent odours and bacterial growth.
- Recommended products:
Blue Gee Bilgex Bilge Cleaner 1L - Inspect the hull and deck: Check for chips, scratches, or cracks and repair them promptly to stop moisture from seeping in.
- Recommended products:
Gelcoat Filler White 200g Tin (with free gloves) - Wipe down and dry: Clean all surfaces and ensure the interior is completely dry to prevent mildew build-up.
- Remove soft furnishings: Store cushions, bedding, and other soft furnishings in a warm, dry place to protect them from damp and pests.
Step 3: Cover & shield from the elements
Once your boat is clean and dry, the final step is to protect it from wind, rain, frost, and UV exposure. A quality cover keeps debris and moisture out, helping preserve your hard work over winter.
Protection checklist:
- Use a boat cover: Choose a well-fitted cover that allows airflow to prevent condensation and mildew.
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Recommended products:
Sea Cover Size 1 Boat Cover - Protect your engine: Fit an engine cover for added protection against cold and moisture.
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Recommended products:
- Check and tighten: Ensure all straps, cords, and fastenings are secure to stop the cover from flapping or tearing in strong winds.
Final Tip
Even after winterising, it’s wise to check on your boat often to make sure the cover is still tight, the bilge is dry, and there’s no standing water. This small effort helps avoid unpleasant surprises when spring returns.
Ready to Get Started?
Keep your boat in top condition all winter long with our range of trusted marine care boat winterisation essentials. From antifreeze to bilge cleaners, we’ve got everything you need for safe, simple winterisation.