What is the best way to store a sailing yacht during the winter?

About the agony of choice

The question of where and how best to store a boat during the cold season is akin to the riddle of the chicken and the egg. The optimal option for storing your favorite yacht in winter is a tropical region with a mild climate. However, the vast majority of yachtsmen cannot afford such luxury, especially if they live far from warm countries. 

Storing a yacht for the winter is a process that requires attention. Its complexity will directly depend on which storage method you choose. A great option would be literally storing the yacht in your backyard, but again, in most cases either the yacht is too big or the yard is too small. This option is suitable for very small boats and dayboats, which yachtsmen often bring to the nearest body of water on trailers.

If the boat is longer than 7-8 meters, then most likely you will have two options: storage in a marina or docking. Both options are acceptable, and one cannot be called objectively better than the other. Both docking and storage of the boat in a marina have a number of risks and advantages. Let's study both processes in more detail.

Wintering a yacht in a marina

Storing a sailing yacht in a marina during the winter is a very common practice. Due to the fact that many marinas are located on the sea coast and such areas are characterized by constant ebb and flow, the water here does not freeze or become covered with ice. 

Let's make it clear right away that it is not recommended to store boats in river or lake marinas, as there is a high risk of the yacht freezing. Despite the fact that many modern river marinas are equipped with special devices that prevent the water around the boats from freezing, a single power outage is fraught with unpleasant consequences. 

Advantages of wintering in a marina

Wintering in a marina has a number of advantages over other methods of storing a yacht. Firstly, the hull is preserved better than when wintering on a slipway. A yacht that spends the winter in water is not subjected to additional loads that may be associated with transportation. In addition, improper removal of the boat to the shore is fraught with damage to the hull. In addition, water provides more uniform cushioning of the hull, and with normal mooring using fenders, the risk of damage from strong gusts of wind is also reduced.

Secondly, storing a yacht in a marina makes maintenance much easier. Regular checks and minor repairs are easier to carry out in a marina. When docked, any manipulations with the yacht will require additional costs for launching and lifting. Easy access to the boat also makes it easier to maintain onboard systems and check their functionality.

Thirdly, a yacht in the water is less exposed to extreme temperatures. Water in winter is usually warmer than air, which helps stabilize the hull temperature and prevent it from freezing. In addition, some particularly sensitive systems on a yacht have difficulty withstanding sudden temperature changes.

Fourth, storing your boat in a marina saves money and space. Not all marinas and shipyards have space to store yachts on land. Raising and lowering a boat costs money, so it is cheaper to leave your yacht in a marina.

Disadvantages of wintering in a marina

Despite a number of advantages, wintering in a marina also has a number of significant disadvantages, which are better to know in advance. So, we have already mentioned the first of the possible disadvantages - when storing a boat in fresh water lakes and rivers, there is a high risk of damage to the hull from ice. No one will forbid you to leave your boat in the nearest yacht club, but it is necessary to understand and sensibly assess the risks, especially for residents of the northern regions.

If the temperature regime in your region rarely brings such severe frosts that the rivers freeze, then you can take a risk. However, we warn you that in this case you will have to monitor the weather forecast and, if necessary, take the boat ashore, which will result in additional expenses. One of the disadvantages of storing in a marina is high humidity, which can lead to condensation. This, in turn, can lead to mold on soft surfaces or damage to electronics. 

If your yacht's hull has cracks or problems with its tightness, then storing it in the water is contraindicated. The boat must be removed from the water and additional repairs to the hull must be carried out. Long-term presence in the water can aggravate the problem up to the appearance of a leak in the hull.

The cost of wintering in a marina is often comparable to dry docking, especially in regions with developed infrastructure. However, everything depends on the marina and the risks you are willing to take. Ideally, you should choose a marina that is equally well protected from storms and thieves. Alas, ideal conditions sometimes remain only in advertising brochures and websites.

Wintering on the slipways

We wrote a separate article on this topic, which we highly recommend you readTo avoid repetition, let us discuss docking on slipways from the point of view of the advantages and disadvantages of this method. 

Lifting a yacht onto dry land can sometimes be the only alternative to storing it in a marina. For example, when the marina spaces are already occupied, or the marina is freshwater and there are no anti-icing devices on site. In such conditions, docking will be the best option.

Advantages of Yacht Docking

Probably the most important advantage of this type of yacht storage is the accessibility for maintenance and repair of the hull. As mentioned above, if the hull already has microcracks, docking may be the best solution, since all the necessary work can be carried out during the winter. 

Even if no serious work on the hull is planned, a new anti-corrosion or anti-fouling coating can be easily applied while the yacht is stored on the slipway. The propeller, shaft, and rudder will also be within direct reach of the craftsmen. With proper removal and storage of the hull on land, wear and deformation of the hull due to constant exposure to water can be avoided. Due to the fact that the hull is not in contact with water, the risk of metal corrosion and osmosis in fiberglass boats is reduced.

On land, the yacht will be better protected from the vagaries of nature. A storm or squall on the slipways will not cause much damage to the hull compared to storing the yacht in a marina. The hull will also be additionally protected from icing and high humidity. Another advantage of storing a sailing yacht on land will be the ease of transportation. If you plan to move the boat somewhere, sell it, or service it at another shipyard, then delivering the yacht on the slipways will be much faster and more profitable. 

Another plus is that a boat on land is much less likely to be stolen or vandalized. The area where yachts are stored during docking is usually guarded.

Disadvantages of Docking a Yacht

It is worth noting that docking, like storing a yacht in a good marina, is, first of all, a monetary expense. Docking will require payment for the crew, maintenance and security of the yacht. However, we recommend not to skimp on the latter (security).

Limited storage space is a common problem, especially in regions with a large number of yachtsmen and a developed yachting culture. During the winter period, there simply may not be enough space and the yacht will have to be left in the marina. Of course, you can look for a place somewhere nearby, but if another marina is located several hundred kilometers away, does it make sense?

Although access to the hull of the boat on the slipway allows for extensive work, access to the interior of the yacht is difficult. To get on board, you will either have to find a ladder or use a lift. Maintenance of the deck and rigging during docking will also cause problems.

The biggest problem with docking can be damage to the hull. In most cases, no one wants to damage the boat intentionally: the crane belt can press on a weak part of the side and leave a dent. Due to the labor intensity and precision that must be applied during docking, a qualified crew is needed to carefully remove the yacht without causing damage. Also consider that during docking it may be necessary to remove the equipment with rigging and the mast. This option may cost additional money.

The impact of weather conditions on a yacht

In the previous points, you may have noticed repeated references to the influence of weather on a yacht. However, influences are not all the same. For wooden and classic yachts, wintering on the water is preferable to avoid the hull drying out.

It is also important to understand that much depends on the region where the yacht is stored. In winter, for example, not all rivers freeze, so leaving the yacht somewhere in the southern part of Europe, which is well known for its warm and snow-free winters, may be acceptable. 

The northern part of the USA and Canada, Britain, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and even Germany and Poland - in these places, which are known for their harsh winters, it is better to secure the boat and take it to dry land.

It is necessary to soberly assess the possible damage from weather conditions. In many cases, storing a yacht on the slipway will be an excessive measure: both from the point of view of finances and common sense. Underestimating the weather is also dangerous, so leaving a boat in a marina poorly protected from wind and storms is not worth it.

Theft and vandalism

We all want our favorite yacht to bring joy and pleasure for many years. However, no one is immune from a treacherous set of circumstances. Theft and vandalism are unpleasant circumstances that must be taken into account and put up with. Yes, it is worth noting that when storing a boat in a marina, the probability of theft is higher. But this does not mean that leaving the boat on land completely protects you.

Such a slippery issue should be approached philosophically. It is necessary to do everything possible to prevent and prevent theft. For example, choose proven marinas and shipyards, take out insurance, use reliable security systems and visit it regularly. In most cases, these precautions are sufficient.

Other features of winter storage of a yacht

It is important to understand how exactly you see your yacht being stored. Are you going to go to sea in the winter? Is there a need to stay on board? Is the boat hull maintenance necessary? These questions will help you decide more precisely where and how to store your boat in the winter.

The following aspects are worth paying attention to:

• Regional climate – if the climate is generally warm, there are no sharp temperature changes (+-10° C per day), the boat is relatively new and does not require repairs, then it is better to leave the yacht in the marina. If the climate is severe, the area is characterized by strong temperature changes, freezing of water, then docking is your choice.
• Frequency of use – if you go out to sea often, a marina may offer quicker access to the boat. If long-term preservation is expected, then docking is preferable.
• Need for repairs – if the boat needs repairs or other maintenance (hull work), then dry docking is a great option. If no repairs are needed and the systems are working properly after testing, then it is better to stay in the marina.
• Budget – Drydocking is on average more expensive than keeping a boat in a marina. This should not be a deal breaker if repairs and maintenance are needed, but in other situations it may be a compelling reason to lean towards marina storage.

To sum it up, it is better to choose docking if repairs and long-term protection are needed, and a marina if the boat is actively used all year round or frequent access on board is required.

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23.11.2024