Top tips to prep for winter
There's still time to get out and about and enjoy you time on the water, but as the colder season arrives, here's our top tips to protect your boat from the harsh weather, and ensure it’s ready to go when spring returns.
1. Give It a Thorough Clean
Before you pack anything away, give your dinghy a proper wash:
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Rinse off all salt, sand, and grime with fresh water.
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Use a mild boat soap and soft brush to clean the hull, deck, and foils.
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Don’t forget to clean inside buoyancy tanks, self-bailers, and under fittings where dirt and salt can accumulate.
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Remove stubborn stains or mildew early — it only gets worse over winter.
Let the boat dry completely before storing to prevent damp, mould, and corrosion.
2. Inspect and Maintain Hardware
Winter is the ideal time to check your fittings and replace anything that’s worn or corroded:
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Inspect blocks, cleats, shackles, and control lines for wear or damage.
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Check the condition of your rudder pintles, gudgeons, and tiller fittings.
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Replace frayed ropes or UV-damaged lines.
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Apply a silicone-based lubricant to moving parts — avoid grease or oil, which can attract dirt.
3. Protect Your Hull and Foils
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If storing outdoors, cover your boat with a well-fitted top cover (and a bottom cover if possible). Choose a breathable, UV-resistant material to prevent condensation build-up and fabric deterioration.
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Store the boat with the bow slightly raised to help water drain off.
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Keep foils (daggerboard and rudder) clean, dry, and stored flat in a protective bag to prevent warping.
A UV cover not only keeps your dinghy clean — it protects gelcoat and paintwork from fading and damage.
4. Drain Everything
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Remove bung plugs and leave inspection hatches slightly open (if safe to do so) to let air circulate.
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Make sure no water is left in tanks or under floorboards to prevent freezing and expansion damage.
5. Store Spars and Sails Properly
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Rinse and dry all spars, paying attention to corrosion spots or cracks in the mast and boom fittings.
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Store them horizontally or vertically in a dry place, out of the wind.
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Wash sails with fresh water and let them dry completely before folding loosely and storing indoors in a cool, dry area.
Avoid leaving sails in damp kit bags or rolled up in the boat — mildew loves a moist sailcloth.
6. Don’t Forget Electronics or Extras
If you use a compass, GPS, or any battery-powered kit, remove the batteries to avoid corrosion. Store electronics in a dry, frost-free environment.
