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 Mandy Boughton, Managing Director at Ancasta Yacht Services, on the best ways to improve your boat for an enjoyable season on the water.

Hull Maintenance and Repairs

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

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

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 power generation and management options, we have a fantastic range of options to ensure you have a reliable source of power onboard.

Onboard Living Upgrades

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.

Bow thrusters are a popular upgrade for owners wanting to remove some of 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 jets, tunnels, and retractable options.

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 trips. 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.