Get ready to store your boat and caravan over the winter months

The last thing they want is to find come spring that their boat or caravan is in poor shape from improper storage over winter. That’s why we’ve pulled together this list of tips to help your clients get their pride and joy ready for the colder months.

Brokers, please feel free to share these with your clients.

Storing your boat

First, you’re going to have to decide where you’re going to store your boat - is it going to be on a berth? Check  with your marina to see what options are available and what you feel most comfortable with. Don’t leave it too late as spaces in marinas can fill up quickly for winter.

If your boat stays on a marina berth , fit sturdy fenders and mooring lines, and consider adding rubber snubbers to cushion winter weather. If you’re storing it ashore, set it firmly on chocks and neatly stow any covers, halyards and lines. Make sure that you also check the condition of the cradle, legs or trailer your boat will be stored on!

Keeping your boat in tip-top condition

Putting your boat into storage means it’s time for a good clean, so you don’t return to any nasty build-up of mould. Empty out any fridges you have on board, taking care to deep-clean and dry them, and leave the door open to prevent any mildew growing. Prevent mildew in other locations by leaving cupboard doors and drawers open – this will help stop condensation and moisture build-up. If your boat is open and doesn’t drain, consider covering it to protect it.

Remember to drain and clean freshwater systems – leave the taps open too to prevent damage from freezing. Give your seacocks a good scrub with fresh water to stop them from ceasing, and if you’re leaving your boat afloat, make sure you keep them closed.

If you’re lifting your boat out of the water for winter, you’ll want to scrape off any dirt, weed or barnacles that may have accumulated on the hull. If you’re keeping your boat on its  marina berth, you should be able to book a lift and hold with your marina so you can thoroughly wash and inspect your craft. Clean and store windscreens, spray hoods, sails, rigging, and soft furnishings indoors to protect them from the elements. This is also a great opportunity to spot any repairs needed ahead of the new season. 

Keeping your boat safe

Be sure to safely stow electronic and navigational gear, including instruments and radios, to prevent damage. Check and test your electrical systems, remove any batteries and maintain your equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Prepare your engine(s) for winter by carrying out a full winterisation, including servicing the engine, gearbox, and stern gear (or leg). Winter is also the ideal time to inspect other mechanical systems like steering and trim gear to catch any issues early and ensure smooth sailing when summer returns.

Storing your caravan

The first thing you’ll need to do is decide where you’re going to store your caravan over the winter months. You may choose to store it outside your home, but if you are unable to do this, you can store it at a remote storage compound, like a campsite or specialist storage site. You can search online for appropriate sites – use websites like the Caravan Storage Site Owners Association to find one near you. Make sure to take security levels into account, as choosing a less secure site may increase the risk of theft or damage.

Keeping your caravan in tip-top condition

Give both the outside and inside of your caravan a good clean before you store it. This will allow you to curb any mould growth, as well as help you to spot any signs of damage that may worsen if left unchecked. Make sure that you use the proper caravan cleaning agents to do your cleaning so you don’t cause any damage in the process. Leave any fridges ajar after cleaning and drying them, and remove any cushions and soft furnishings. Keep air vents clear to maximise ventilation, and leave wardrobe and cupboard doors open to further help with this. Drain and clean any toilets or water systems to prevent freezing over winter.

Pressure washers may seem like a tempting solution, but they’re so powerful that they’re likely to damage the bodywork of the caravan, so it’s best to avoid using them. Be careful when using ladders or climbing on top of the caravan to clean the roof – avoid putting your full weight on it as the structure may not be strong enough to accommodate you. Consider using a breathable cover to further help protect your caravan from the elements.

You should disconnect any unnecessary electronics and switch off plugs, because these can drain your battery. If you can, disconnect the battery and take it home to charge it periodically.

For gas cylinders, your gas valves should be closed and the regulators disconnected, with caps on the ends of any open pipework. You may need to remove the gas cylinders from the caravan depending on the rules of your storage site – you should keep them in the open air in a secure place, but not a shed or garage.

Checking on your boat or caravan

So, your boat or caravan is all clean, packed and ready for the winter months, but you’re not finished yet. Make sure to carry out regular checks over the cold season to ensure that your boat or caravan remains in tip-top shape. You may need to check any heaters and empty any dehumidifiers, and if you don’t have a cover on your boat, make sure you check for any water ingress.

To maintain the condition of your caravan’s wheels, check in every six-to-eight weeks to turn the wheels and raise the pressure (though don’t forget to drop it again if you’re planning on driving the caravan anytime soon).

Boat and/or caravan insurance

Make sure you have boat and/or caravan insurance in place, even if you think you don’t need it because you won’t be using your  boat and/or caravan – anything can happen, from wind damage and fires to theft and accidental damage. Without appropriate cover, you may incur costs if your boat or caravan is damaged over the winter season. Get in touch with your broker to find the best option for you, so you can have peace of mind that you’re covered in case the worst happens.

Brokers, get in touch with us today

Our expert team have served the caravan and marine leisure sector for more than 20 years, and are happy to support you and your clients. If you have any further queries, or we can help in any way, our specialist team is here for you. 

Please feel free to ask the team any questions you may have on sales@geounderwriting.com.

Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems, we recommend that professional advice be sought.