How to prepare a yacht for winter: storing a yacht on dry land

About docking in principle and dry dock in particular

One of the most popular procedures for preparing a yacht for winter is drydocking or lifting it ashore. Although this procedure is often referred to as “drydocking,” in fact, there is a big difference between drydocking and drydocking.

In this article we are discussing drydocking or drydocking – the temporary removal of a yacht to shore for the purpose of its preservation or repair for a relatively short period of time. Yachts that are taken out of the water for the winter are usually placed on mobile slipways and held in place by a system of jacks and supporting elements.

The yacht after docking on the slipway.

Dry docking is another way to access the underwater part of a yacht or vessel, but a different principle is used. Vessels are brought into a dry dock to perform extensive work on the hull in an isolated, dry environment. In a dry dock, the yacht or any other vessel is supported by special platforms or supports. Once the work is completed, the dock in which the vessel was located is filled with water again.

A large dry dock. The very same supports are visible under the ship.

Usually yachtsmen use the first method, i.e. docking. This method is simply faster, more convenient and cheaper. Docking is also called slipway storage or repair.

Stage 1: Preparation for docking

Probably the most important part of the docking process is preparing the yacht. The rules for preparing a yacht for wintering on the slipways are the same as for wintering in a marina. It is necessary to worry about the timely and safe disposal of gray and black water, check the internal equipment, the condition of the wiring, and prepare the battery. 

It is also necessary to carry out deck work. Before lifting the yacht onto land, it is necessary to remove the sails, bimini, sprayhoods. Additionally, elements of the standing and running rigging are checked. Some yachting publications recommend removing the running rigging, but this is usually done before long-term conservation. Standing rigging requires special attention. Its condition should be checked for wear of cables, reliability of fastenings, etc.

Before lifting the yacht, you need to pay attention to the condition of the equipment of the shipyard or marina where the lifting takes place. The lifting belts, cables and other parts of the lift structure must be in good condition. To avoid problems, it is better to clarify the conditions of the yacht's maintenance in advance.

Step 2: How do you raise the boat…

… This is how she will spend the whole winter. There are several basic methods of lifting a boat out of the water:

• Travellift is the most common method of lifting a yacht. The yacht is secured with special straps and lifted out of the water with hydraulic winches.
• Crane lifts – less popular, used to lift larger superyachts and vessels. It is important that the lifting straps do not damage the hull.
• Marine rails – used for slow lowering and lifting of a ship or yacht using a special frame.

Example of a travellift👆

Crane lift👆

Most boatyards and marinas use a travellift. This "lift" consists of a lift, a U-shaped frame, and/or a system of cables that "lifts" the boat out of the water. To lift the yacht safely and successfully, it is important to properly secure and position the lifting straps. Misalignment can cause serious damage to the boat's propellers or steering gear.

Stage 3: Final preparation for wintering

The most important part of preparing for winter is cleaning the hull. Among other things, it is necessary to check the condition of all fittings and check the hull for damage and integrity. Cleaning the hull is carried out using standard means. The main goal is to remove residual dirt, marine sediment, algae and other marine or river creatures from the hull. As a first "approach", a simple cleaning of the hull with water under high pressure is used. This is usually enough to remove most of the dirt.

The next stage involves a more thorough inspection and cleaning of the surface using special means. At this stage, the hull is also prepared for the application of a new layer of antifouling coating - antifouling.

In recent years, case cleaning products have become increasingly environmentally friendly. Manufacturers pay special attention to active components. However, this does not mean that the case coating can be cleaned without protective agents. Chemistry remains chemistry.

Stage 4: fixing the yacht on the slipway

When all the procedures for cleaning and preparing the yacht are completed, the final stage of docking begins. The yacht is finally fixed in its "parking" place with the help of jacks. Special supporting chains additionally prevent unwanted shifts of the hull.

The workers of the shipyard or marina check the condition of the supports and all connecting elements. This way, both you and the shipyard will be sure of the reliability of the fastenings and the safety of the yacht. Throughout the winter, an authorized person must periodically check the condition of the slipways and the yacht, the tension of the jacks. 

It is also important to ensure that the yacht does not change its tilt due to bad weather or wind. This can cause the center of gravity to shift, which could potentially lead to the yacht falling off the slipway.

What to pay attention to when docking?

The preparation aspect is important – choose a shipyard or marina carefully, study real reviews. The success of the lift and the safety of the boat will depend on the qualifications of the team. You should also avoid using old and faulty equipment, as this can lead to serious damage to the yacht. 

It would seem, who would use such equipment? Unscrupulous shipyards and marinas, which, alas, exist. Try to control the process of lifting your yacht, but remember the golden mean - a truly qualified and experienced team is able to lift the boat onto dry land on their own.

Also pay attention to the little things and do not hesitate to ask the lifting team all the details you are interested in. Caring for the safety of your yacht has never been shameful.

New video on the Interparus channel🎥

Yachting innovations are always cool. In a new video on the Interparus channel, Sasha Goron will talk about the yachting innovations that Le Grand Pavois 2024 brought to us. Enjoy watching❤️

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29.10.2024