Time to haul out? How to get your pride and joy ready for winter storage

As the leaves fall and mornings bring crisp frost over Ekenäs, we know that the boating season is inevitably drawing to a close. Hauling out the boat on time and preparing it correctly is crucial for its well-being during the cold months.According to the Finnish Marine Industries Federation Finnboat, proper autumn routines not only extend the boat's lifespan but also make spring commissioning significantly smoother and cheaper.

The most important step once the boat is on dry land is to immediately wash the hull and bottom while the dirt and algae are still damp. Once it has dried, the job becomes unnecessarily tough. After that, it's time to look over the interior. To avoid expensive frost damage, it is critical to run antifreeze through the engine's cooling system and to carefully empty all fresh water tanks, water heaters, and toilet systems.

Don't forget ventilation either! Taking textiles home and leaving hatches slightly ajar significantly reduces the risk of mold during the winter. By taking care of your boat now in the autumn, you ensure that it is ready to be launched quickly when the ice finally releases its grip on Western Uusimaa next spring.