Winterization and how to properly protect your vessel!
Winter on the south coast of BC isn't the deep freeze that boaters face on the East Coast or in northern Europe, but our winter season brings its own hazards. Damp, condensation, mildew, and the occasional hard frost can quietly do more damage to a neglected boat over the off-season than a summer of hard sailing ever would. Proper winterization is the single best thing you can do to protect your investment and start next season without a list of surprises.
Whether you keep your boat in Sidney, North Saanich, the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria, the Gulf Islands, or anywhere on Vancouver Island, here's how to lay her up right, and how our team can handle as much or as little of it as you'd like.
The Engine
An idle diesel is vulnerable, and engine damage is the costliest winterization failure we see.
Fill the fuel tank. A full tank leaves little room for the air that causes condensation and water in your diesel over a damp winter. We also recommend adding a high quality diesel additively like Stanadyne Lubricity to help extend the life of the diesel.
Service before lay-up, not after. Change the oil and gearbox oil, then run the engine briefly so clean oil coats the internal moving parts before it sits.
Check internal engine anodes. If you're hauling out, inspect and renew external anodes, service running gear, and confirm raw-water intakes are clear.
If possible, run the engine every few of weeks up to temp. This will help keep the internals well lubricated and working properly for the up coming season
Freshwater, Heads & Onboard Systems
Any system that holds water can crack in a freeze and grow foul over a wet winter. Drain freshwater tanks and lines, or protect them with non-toxic antifreeze rated for potable systems. Pump out and treat holding tanks and heads. Clear the bilge and make sure bilge pumps and float switches are working.
Batteries & Electrical
Batteries don't like sitting neglected. Check charge state and terminals, keep them topped up and maintained through the winter, and make sure your charging system is doing its job. If you're weighing a lithium battery upgrade, the winter is the perfect window to have it installed and commissioned so it's ready for spring, ask us about our Epoch Batteries dealership, and our 10% off labor during the winter season, discount.
Damp & Condensation
This is where Pacific Northwest winterization differs most from the freeze-obsessed advice you'll read from colder climates. Our mild, wet winters mean moisture and mildew are the biggest threats to your interior, upholstery, and electronics.
Open interior lockers, cabinets, and the engine compartment to let air circulate.
Run a dehumidifier, or a low-watt heater in the engine bay if shore power is available.
Ventilate the cabin rather than sealing it up tight; trapped, still air is what breeds mould.
Remove soft furnishings, lifejackets, and anything absorbent that will hold damp.
Add a small amount of heat. You don’t need to feel like you have just got off the plane in Hawaii every time you enter your vessel… but you do want JUST enough heat to keep thing from freezing. We offer Caframo heaters that can be set to turn on only when temps drop below 3 degrees. This saves a ton on heating bills and it protects your vessel from freezing.
https://www.caframobrands.com/9206cabbx.html
Canvas, Covers & Exterior
A good winter cover sheds rain and keeps UV, leaves, and grime off your deck. Inspect your existing canvas, dodgers, biminis, and covers for worn stitching and failing zippers now, while there's time to repair them before spring. Our canvas shop can assist with small repairs or complete custom enclosures, and winter is the best time to book that work.
Let Raven Marine Handle Your Winterization
You can tackle some of this yourself, but the jobs that matter most, are the ones worth handing to certified professionals. Our Winter Service Special gives you 10% off labour on work that takes place between December 1 and February 28.
Our ABYC-certified marine technicians serve boat owners throughout North Saanich, Sidney, the Saanich Peninsula, Victoria, and the Gulf Islands.
Raven Marine Services
North Saanich, BC
1-250-655-3934