As the days get shorter, it is time to think about putting our boats to bed. The RYA shows us how.

It is an unavoidable fact that autumn is taking hold and for most of us, that means putting the boat away. But before we descend into darkness, it’s worth ensuring we do a proper job of putting our boats to bed. Here at the RYA we would never claim that we’re experts in the art of engineering, but our resident font of all knowledge, John Thorn, is a great man for RIBs and powerboats. He explains: “It only takes a couple of steps to ensure that your boat is tucked up for winter. It isn’t rocket science and it can often cut out a lot of misery at the beginning of the next season. I could give you chapter and verse on winterising, but it’s probably best to cut it down to a few handy pointers. I find a checklist can really help, so here are my own personal top tips.”

Outboard engines - Before starting, make sure you check with your manufacturer to see if there are any specific dos and don’ts with your particular engine. Beyond that, make sure you do the following:

Flush out your engine. The last thing you want is salt water sitting in there all winter, so run it in a clean freshwater tank until it pumps fresh.

Clear the fuel lines. You can do this by shutting off the fuel inlet valve and running the engine until it stops. Lubricate the engine and the throttle linkage system to ensure everything is running freely. If possible, take the engine off and store it upright in a dry place, like a garage. If the engine has to stay on the boat, ensure that it is well covered.

Fuel tanks - Some people like to drain their fuel tanks, while others keep fuel inside to prevent condensation forming. If you do keep fuel in the tank, be sure to add some fuel stabiliser, as running old, dirty fuel through your engine at the start of next season is not recommended.

Battery - Take the battery off if possible and store it at home. Ensure you keep the charge topped up over the winter. Batteries gently discharge over time even when not used and running a battery right down will do it no good at all.

Interior - Boats inevitably get damp over the winter, so the more interior cushions you can take home, the less mould you will have to deal with in the spring. Back on the boat, you want to ensure that it’s well aired, so make sure you leave plenty of vents open.

Boat covers - Make sure you properly cover your boat. This may sound pretty obvious, but you’d be amazed how many covers are fitted loose and fill with water at the first sign of rain. Go back and check up on your boat fairly regularly.  
Service your trailer - Now is the time to make sure your trailer is roadworthy. It’s often the last thing people consider but it’s vital if the rig is to be left for long periods unused.