10 things to remember when taking your boat out of water

By Sonia Hook Marketing and Business Development Consultant (Marine)

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Here are some simple tips to help put your boat into hibernation so that re-commissioning in spring will be a much more straightforward task.

Give the bottom a thorough power-wash and also washdown the topsides and deck.
Also give the interior a thorough wash down with a disinfectant solution to prevent any build up of mould and mildew whilst laid up.
Winterize your engine. Top off your fuel tank to prevent build up of condensation. Drain and flush the cooling system before replenishing with anti-freeze mix. Change the oil and the oil filter.
Winterize plumbing by either draining it completely or refilling with antifreeze added. Water and holding tanks should be flushed with anti-bacterial solution and drained.
Disconnect and remove the battery – or alternatively set up a battery charger to maintain it through any long period of inactivity.
Check the hull for any damaged paintwork or cracks – repair and reseal with a good wax coat.
Provide your boat with a properly fitting cover to protect it from rain, snow and frost.
Ensure that, although protected, there is always good airflow to prevent build up of damp and mildew.
Keep the sea cocks and drains open to prevent build up of any water from rain or leaks.
Grease all parts that require it to protect from corrosion.

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Directors: Robert Kennedy, Mark Nolan, Mark Boland, Mark Whelan, Denise Behan. Howden Insurance (Ireland) Limited trading as Haven Knox Johnston is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Howden Insurance (Ireland) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, No. 973308. Registered in Ireland under company registration number 338916. Registered Office: 10 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 22, Ireland. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.