Boat wintering:
Complete guide to protecting your boat
As we enter the cooler months, find out how to overwinter your boat and its equipment. It’s important to winterise your boat and all its equipment as soon as possible. With bad weather and changing temperatures, choosing the right equipment is essential to keep your boat running smoothly and in good condition.
Boat winter cover or boat protective covers? Winch cover, wheel cover, seat cover… NVequipment guides you to the essential products for wintering in the best conditions, and helps you make the right choices according to your needs.
Take a look at our tips.
Why does mould grow on my boat covers?
For mould to appear and grow, four elements must be present simultaneously:
- Humidity and a lack of ventilation will create condensation, so your equipment is less well ventilated, which in turn encourages the growth of mould.
- High temperatures, between 20 and 30°C, also accelerate mould growth.
- Air pollution, particles and chemicals can provide surfaces or nutrients for spores (fungi) to settle.
Eliminating one of the sources of mould growth may be enough to stop it. Of course, that includes using more environmentally-friendly cleaning products for your sails and other equipment. But you also need to ensure the right environment for your equipment: adequate ventilation, proper drying of surfaces, or the use of heating or moisture-absorbing devices.
Regular cleaning of your covers is also recommended,discover our cleaning tips for your covers and arches.
Essential Tips
to winterise a boat
| Before winterising a boat, we advise you to empty your boat and store anything on board that could be damaged by damp. |
| We also advise you to take with you and remove from your boat all electronic equipment and textiles such as: GPS, batteries, cushions, bedding, sails, life jackets… |
| The key to maintaining and preserving your boat for longer: cleaning. Seaweed, sea salt, shellfish… these elements can damage your boat, creating incrustations or fouling. You’ll need to clean your equipment if you don’t take this step. |
| To do so, clean the deck, hull and canvas by brushing and cleaning with mild soaps and rinsing with clear water. |
| To preserve your engine and ensure a successful restart in the spring, you should winterise and maintain it. Here are the steps: fresh water rinse, oil and gasoline/diesel drain, change oil and fuel filters, water pump impeller, accessible anodes, engine block lubrication and grease screws. |
| Then, once all the steps have been completed, you can choose the right equipment to protect your boat. Sailboat, motorboat or RIB, choose the right protection: console cover, boat cover… We explain everything about the different types of boat covers and their uses. |
Boat protective cover… What equipment should I choose for my motorboat?
Preparing your motorboat for winter is essential for overwintering your boat successfully and for optimum protection against the elements. Discover our selection of the best outdoor protections to face the cold season with peace of mind.
- The console cover, to fit every model, and easily removable, will protect your console in winter as well as all year round;
- The leaning post cover, available in acrylic for added elegance and a texture material to match your equipment. Or available in PVC for functional use: easy to clean and store;
- Seat covers, which can be used all year round, will also extend the life of your seats. They are easy to install and store;
- The cockpit table cover, will dress your table elegantly, perfectly matching its shape and preserving the quality of the covering. Depending on the type of cover, place a ball to avoid any contact with a fragile covering;
- The windshield protection will protect your windows from harsh elements with a fitted canvas that also filters light when sailing or at anchor,
- The full of 3/4 mooring cover will protect your boat, and is solid and sturdy to ensure the longevity of your equipment.
What are the best covers for your sailboat?
Ensuring good winter storage for your sailboat is essential to preserve it during the cooler weather. Discover our selection of the best boat covers for maximum protection and peace of mind during the cold season.
- The Cockpit table cover, just like on a motorboat, will style and preserve the quality of your table;
- The Winch cover is designed to cover and protect winches from the external elements, and can be fitted to each model;
- The wheel protection prevents damage caused by the sea air, protecting your wheel when your boat is not in use.
What covers should you choose for overwintering a RIB?
For effective winterisation of your RIB, it’s essential to protect your boat and its equipment. Discover our selection of the best boat covers, and boat winter covers specially designed for your boat.
- Daybed covers front and rear, practical and essential to protect against weather and damp, will help extend their life by covering them completely;
- Rear bench seat covers, like for daybeds, provide full protection for bench seats in winter and all year round;
- Console covers, keep the controls in good condition, and cover the entire console;
- Leaning post covers: as with motorboats, a choice of two materials is possible.
- The full or 3/4 mooring canopy will protect your entire RIB.
Choose the ideal cover for your boat: get expert advice from NVequipment retailers.
To ensure your motorboat, RIB or sailboat is properly protected this winter, don’t hesitate to contact an NVequipment retailer.
Our professionnels can advise you on the equipment best suited to your needs, guiding you on the sizes, colours and options best suited to your boat. Ensure optimal winterisation with personal advice and quality products.
