How to prepare your boat for winter in Bermuda

While Bermuda’s winters tend to be fairly mild, it’s important to take some steps to protect your boat from any rain, humidity, and storms that may occur over the winter months. Whether you’re planning on taking your boat out of the water for the winter or leaving it in, keep these tips in mind to ensure it’s in tip-top shape next season:

1. Securely anchor or dock your boat with strong lines. If you’re leaving your boat in the water, inspect the moorings, pilings, and cleats to ensure they’ll be able to withstand winter weather. Replace any worn mooring lines and consider adding extra lines or storm anchors, especially if your boat is in an area that’s prone to strong winds. Check for chafing points and, if necessary, install anti-chafing gear to protect your boat from further damage.
2. Remove sails and seat covers and pack them away. When your boat isn’t in use, take down any sails, seat covers, and bimini tops to protect them from wind and salt spray.
3. Prevent unwanted water from getting in. Ensure that your bilge pumps and float switches are in good working order.
4. Maintain your boat’s engine and fuel system. Flush the engine with fresh water to remove salt and prevent corrosion, and add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent your fuel from degrading while you’re not using your boat. You can also consider changing your engine oil and oil filters to prevent old, contaminated oil from sitting in the engine all winter.
5. Maintain your boat’s battery and electrical system. While your boat is in storage, disconnect the battery, store it in a cool, dry place, and charge it periodically to prevent it from losing charge. If you’re still using your vessel, you should also make sure all of your boat’s electrical systems are turned off to avoid any drain on the battery or damage from corrosion.
6. Store safety gear somewhere dry. Remove safety gear such as life jackets, flares, and fire extinguishers from your boat and store it in a secure, dry place to protect it from damage.
7. Remove valuables and perishables. Take removable items such as electronics, valuables, and perishables out of your boat for the winter to avoid theft, damage, or spoilage.
8. Clean, inspect, and repair the hull. Before the winter, clean your boat’s hull, propellers, and running gear to remove any marine growth or debris. You should also look for any damage, blisters, or cracks in the hull and repair them before putting your boat back in the water.
9. Properly cover your boat. Use a high-quality boat cover to protect the interior from rain, salt, and debris. Ensure the cover has good ventilation to prevent mould and mildew from growing during the wetter months.
10. Review your marine insurance policy. Your insurance needs may be different depending on whether you’re removing your boat from the water or leaving it in over the winter, so be sure to review your policy annually. If you’re taking your boat out of the water, make sure winter storage is covered by your policy. If you’re a BF&M marine insurance customer and you remove your boat from the water for at least eight weeks, you may be eligible for a refund on your premium during that time.
11. Regularly check in on your boat. Even if you aren’t using your boat during the winter, it’s a good idea to inspect it for damage frequently — especially after a storm or severe weather. Make sure it’s secure and in good condition, and address any potential issues right away. 

Looking for an insurance policy to protect your vessel all year long? We have the experience and expertise to offer insurance solutions that work for all types of vessels, and we’re proud to cover most of the boats in Bermuda. Get a quote for marine insurance from BF&M today.