When the boating season is over, it is essential to prepare your boat for the winter, making sure it is in perfect condition for the next adventure at sea. With proper routine maintenance, you not only protect your investment, but also extend the life of your boat. Below we detail the fundamental steps for the maintenance and winterising of your boat and offer you a series of practical recommendations to take care of your boat, reminding you that we have specialised facilities to facilitate this process.

Thorough cleaning: the essential first step

After an intense season of sailing, the first step is to thoroughly clean the boat, both inside and out. Any saltpetre, algae or accumulated dirt must be removed, paying special attention to the hull and deck area.

If the boat has been in the water for a long time, it is advisable to use specific products to remove marine fouling.

• Cleaning: It is preferable to clean the hull with water and a coarse cloth to minimise the use of soaps and solvents, which can be harmful to marine life.
• Natural products: When water alone is not enough, it is recommended to opt for natural products such as lime juice or baking soda, as they are less polluting.
• Avoid solvents: Do not use solvents or paints when the boat is in the water, as they can pollute the marine ecosystem.

In addition, it is important to check the condition of the antifouling paint, which prevents the adhesion of marine organisms to the boat’s surface, and to repair damaged areas to prevent water from penetrating and causing structural problems.

Check engine and electrical system

The engine is one of the most delicate components of any boat, and its periodic overhaul is essential. Both petrol and diesel engines require special attention after intensive summer use. Before leaving it idle for months at a time, check the following:

• Oil and filter change: Acids in used oil can corrode internal engine parts.
• Fuel: If your boat runs on fuel, fill the tank to avoid condensation, which could lead to rust problems.
• Batteries: Don’t forget to check the batteries and disconnect them if you will not be using them for a long period.
• Cooling system: Check the antifreeze to ensure that the engine is protected from low temperatures. On engines with heat exchangers, drain the seawater and use antifreeze to avoid blockages.
• Corrosion protection: Coat the engine with anti-corrosion spray and be sure to remove the impeller from the water pump to prevent it from spoiling during the cold months.

These tasks will prevent the engine from freezing or corrosion damage, which could be costly to repair.

Protection of the vessel against weather conditions

Once the boat has been cleaned and checked, it is time to protect it from the weather. If you leave your boat in the water, use appropriate protective covers to prevent damage caused by exposure to sun, wind and rain. Also, check your moorings and make sure they are very tight. Our team of sailors is especially attentive during strong winds but it is very important to remove the boat to avoid friction or collisions.

Conservation of the interior

The interior of the boat also requires attention. Remove all items that can be damaged by moisture, such as textiles or electronic devices. It is advisable to regularly ventilate the interior of the boat to prevent the build-up of mould and odours. If the weather permits, open the hatches from time to time to allow air to circulate. Don’t forget to empty the refrigerators.

Before the winterisation process is completed, it is important to check safety equipment. Survival suits should be clean and well stowed, and it is a good time to check the expiry date of batteries in safety radios and flotation devices.

Maintenance tasks

You can carry out various maintenance jobs on your boat such as fairing, antifouling, changing anodes or cleaning the deck and varnish in the Club’s technical area and dry dock, which is fully equipped to facilitate the maintenance of boats of different sizes. We offer a 3,000 m² space with a fixed crane for boats up to 7T, a Travel Lift for boats up to 60T and a beaching reel, which are key tools for lifting and transporting the boat safely, maximising the space in our facilities and ensuring that the boat is properly sheltered.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to offer comfort, efficiency and, above all, an environmentally responsible service.

The Club’s environmental commitment

At Club Nàutic Estartit we not only strive to offer first class facilities, but we are also committed to sustainability and respect for the environment. We implement measures to reduce the environmental impact in each of our activities. From the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products to the responsible management of waste generated at the dry dock, we promote practices that respect and protect our natural surroundings.

In addition, our environmental certifications ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards in terms of sustainability. We continually work to minimise our carbon footprint and ensure that the port and its services are aligned with international environmental regulations.

You can request a quote for your maintenance work at info@cnestartit.com.