How To Enhance Your Boat This Winter

The winter offseason can feel dreary as you long for the warmer months to come around again and you can get back out on the water. But instead of counting down the days until the new boating season starts, why not embrace this downtime and give your boat some TLC so it’s all plain sailing when Spring arrives.

Now is the best time to iron out any little issues you’ve been ignoring or to make those modifications that you’ve been promising yourself and your crew. By taking the time to focus on maintenance, refit and repairs, you can enhance your boat’s performance, safety and overall comfort, as well as protect your investment.

Looking for some inspiration? Here are some tips from our expert technicians at Ancasta Yacht Services, on the best ways to improve your boat for an enjoyable season on the water.

Hull Maintenance and Repairs

Key tasks:

• Inspect the hull for damage
• Deep clean and carry out repairs
• Apply fresh antifoul
• Check anodes and replace if required
• Polish the topsides

Winter provides the perfect opportunity to haul your boat out of the water and inspect the hull for problems that may have arisen during the season. After a thorough clean, we check for blisters, cracks and any other damage before carrying out any necessary repairs – catching issues before they become more problematic is vital and saves costs in the long run.

Regular antifouling is crucial to protect the hull from barnacles, slime and weeds, and, when combined with a mid-season washdown, it will ensure your clean hull delivers the best performance on the water.

Checking anodes once or ideally twice a year is essential, as some marine environments result in faster wear than others. Replacing anodes when they are less than 50% of their original size will prevent corrosion on through-hull fittings, trim tabs, lifting gear, engines and sail drives. Spotting these early signs of corrosion is essential maintenance.

And don’t forget to polish the topsides. UV damage and the build-up of salt and grime can damage the paint and cause fading over time. At AYS, we take a comprehensive approach to this, cutting back the gelcoat with a cleaning compound before buffing it to a glossy finish and applying a protective wax.

Engine Servicing, Repower and Installation

Key tasks:

• Service the engine(s)
• Upgrade to a larger or more efficient model if required
• Consider a propeller upgrade to improve performance

Engine servicing during the winter months is one of the most important jobs when it comes to ensuring your boat starts first time and runs smoothly in the spring. Plus, a comprehensive professional service will help prevent breakdowns on the water and extend the lifespan of your engine.

If your boat felt underpowered this year, you might consider upgrading the engine to a larger or more fuel-efficient model. This is a great time of year to get this done to avoid downtime during the precious summer months. AYS are Approved Dealers and Service Centres for Volvo, Yanmar and Nanni and we’re always happy to discuss the most cost-effective solution for your boat.

If a complete repower is out of reach, a propeller upgrade can help improve performance, speed, handling and fuel efficiency.

Batteries and Power Management

Key tasks:

• Check the batteries
• Store in a cool, dry place over winter
• Repair any known faults
• Carry out replacements or upgrades

As we load our boats with an ever-increasing repertoire of appliances and technology, it’s important that onboard power systems are maintained to keep everything in good working order.

As a minimum, you need to look after the boat’s batteries – clean the terminals, check the voltage, and store them in a cool dry place during the winter to avoid power outages.

If you’ve been experiencing power trips on your boat this year, this downtime is a good opportunity to upgrade your systems to cope with the demand. With the advancement of sustainable onboard power generation and yacht management options, we have a fantastic range of options to ensure you have a reliable source of power onboard.

Decking Restoration or Replacement

Key tasks:

• Check decks for signs of wear and damage
• Clean and restore teak decks with a professional service
• Re-caulk cracked joins
• Consider replacing severely worn decks with a modern alternative

The condition of your yacht’s teak deck can significantly enhance its overall appearance and performance. If the planks show moderate signs of wear, a professional clean can help restore the teak’s natural colour, while sanding can smooth out rough or weathered surfaces. If the caulking between the planks is damaged or cracked, replacing it can prevent leaks and improve the deck’s aesthetics. Additionally, for small areas of damage, replacing the affected planks is a cost-effective solution.

If your deck is severely worn (less than 4mm thick), replacing it with new teak or a modern alternative might be necessary. Over the years, marine decking materials have evolved, moving from traditional wood to low-maintenance synthetics.

One of our most popular decking options is Flexiteek. Made from 2G polymer pellets, it is manufactured into planks, sanded to bring out the grain, and then vinyl-welded together to create a strong, durable bond. The result is a very realistic-looking teak substitute that is long-lasting, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance. Ancasta Yacht Services is the South Coast’s exclusive Flexiteek installer, so please speak to us for more details.

Bow Thruster Installation

Key tasks:

• Consider installation of bow and/or stern thrusters for better control when docking
• Look at all options including Jet, Tunnel, and Retractable thrusters
• Fit yourself or book a professional installation with an approved distributor

Bow thrusters are a popular winter upgrade for owners looking to reduce the stress of berthing, especially when sailing short-handed. As the UK Distributor for Jet Thruster and Approved Gold Installers for Lewmar, we have an experienced team of boat builders who can install a range of thruster options, including jet, tunnel, and retractable.

Jet Thruster’s options are designed to simplify the docking and manoeuvring using water pressure to create powerful jets that instantly push the yacht in the direction you want it to go.

This flexible system is easy to install, can be added to the bow and stern, and is suitable for both shallow and deep-keeled boats. The thruster nozzles sit flush with the hull to reduce drag, and there are no moving parts under the waterline for extra safety.

Onboard Living Upgrades

Key tasks:

• Consider extra onboard protection from extreme weather
• Improve interior comfort with upgraded appliances
• Ensure you have enough storage for long-distance bluewater cruising

Onboard comfort is paramount whether you’re day cruising with family friends, sailing further afield, or competing on the racecourse.

With the weather being ever more unpredictable worldwide, efficient onboard heating and air conditioning systems are becoming essential, and bespoke canvas covers are great for rain and sun protection on deck.

Smaller items like heated towel rails, improved seating configurations, re-upholstery, and upgraded refrigeration can all make a huge difference to onboard living, especially if you’re planning extended, multi-day bluewater cruising. And improved storage solutions ensure you can take everything you need for a comfortable life at sea.

Find Out More

Whether you own a motorboat or sailing yacht, now is the time to carry out essential maintenance and upgrades. Don’t wait another season to sort out an irritating niggle or upgrade an out-of-date system.

If you don’t have the time to do it yourself, we still have a few slots available to help you get your boat ready for the spring, so please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Part of the Ancasta Group, Ancasta Yacht Services offers professional yacht refit, repair and services. We have a team of highly skilled technicians, laminators, engineers, and boat builders with extensive facilities and undercover workshops in Hamble, Southampton.