Common mistakes before wintering and how to avoid them

Wintering is an essential step to preserve the longevity of your boat and guarantee a smooth restart in the spring. However, many yachtsmen still make avoidable errors before drying. Here are the most frequent… and how to avoid them thanks to a few simple gestures.

1. Wait for the last minute to organize your wintering

This is undoubtedly the most widespread error: waiting for the first freshness to think about the hauling. However, good preparation is planned upstream. sneak a wintering From the end of the season, it is possible to avoid the fall in rush and to benefit from the best availability for lifting, cleaning and technical interventions.
Anticipating is also being able to choose the ideal time depending on the weather and the state of the sea, in order to take your boat out in the best conditions.

2. neglect the technical preparation of the boat

Many owners think that a simple rinse is enough. However, a successful wintering requires rigor and method. It is necessary to drain the freshwater circuits, protect the engine, dismantle the sails, grease the winches and check the batteries.
Another common mistake: forgetting to prevent humidity. Without ventilation or dehumidifier, mold quickly settles on board, damaging upholstery and woodwork. A complete check before drying allows you to guarantee a refloating without unpleasant surprises in the spring.

3. Postpone hull and rigging maintenance

Wintering is also the ideal time to inspect the lively works, redo the antifouling and check the rigging. Too many boaters reject these operations, at the risk of discovering cracks, wear of anodes or traces of osmosis just before the season. Regular maintenance during the wintering period avoids costly repairs and extends the life of the boat.

In Port Navy Service, a winter with peace of mind

Located in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhone, Port Navy Service Has 26 hectares of dry park and equipment capable of accommodating boats up to 35 meters and 120 tons. on site, several companies Specialized support boaters in all stages: cleaning, mechanics, sailmaking, electricity or hull maintenance.

Thanks to this complete and secure environment, each owner can winter his boat in the best conditions, with the guarantee of finding him ready to sail on sunny days.