Winter Lay-Up Prep: How to Get Your Boat Ready for the Off-Season

Published on 18th September 2025 On Sailing

As the autumn winds pick up and daylight shortens, boat owners in Plymouth and beyond start to think about winter lay-up. It might not be as exciting as slipping lines on a sunny day, but it’s one of the most important jobs of the year. Preparing your boat properly now not only protects your investment but also ensures you’ll be ready to enjoy the new season without costly delays or repairs.

Below, we’ve put together a detailed guide — drawing on advice from leading yachting publications — to help you tackle winter lay-up with confidence.

Make a Checklist and Plan Ahead

Every boat is different, and so is every lay-up. Before you start, write down what needs to be removed, cleaned, serviced or stored. Chubb Marine recommends checking expiration dates on safety gear and paperwork at the same time, so you can deal with renewals over the winter rather than in a rush in spring.

Yards and marine trades also get busy in the autumn, so book in any professional help (engineers, riggers, cover specialists) early.

Sails, Rigging and Deck Gear

Removing canvas work is one of the simplest and most effective things you can do. Sprayhoods, dodgers, sail covers and biminis are prone to UV damage and mildew if left out for months. Practical Boat Owner stresses the importance of taking sails home, washing and drying them properly before storage to extend their life.

This is also the perfect moment to check your standing and running rigging. Replace any worn sheets or halyards, check shackles, and lubricate furling systems. Deck gear like fenders and mooring lines should be cleaned and inspected too.

If your boat is being hauled, don’t forget the hull. A pressure wash before winter removes barnacles, slime and salt, preventing damage and making spring commissioning far easier, as noted by Chubb Marine.

Engines and Fuel Systems

Engines dislike sitting idle, and winter inactivity can cause real damage if not managed properly. Changing the oil and filters before lay-up removes acids and contaminants that might otherwise corrode internals, according to Marlin Magazine.

Fuel tanks should be topped up to reduce condensation, then treated with a stabiliser and run briefly to circulate through the system, advises Modern Yachts NY. For raw water-cooled engines, flush with fresh water and then circulate marine-safe antifreeze to protect against freezing.

Plumbing systems need the same care. Freshwater tanks, sinks, heads and water heaters should be drained or treated with non-toxic propylene glycol antifreeze, which is safe for marine use. Waste holding tanks should be emptied and flushed, then treated with a mild deodorant to prevent odours.

Bilges and Drainage

A clean bilge is not just nice to have — it can prevent problems. Remove sludge, oil and debris, and add a little antifreeze to guard against any residual water freezing. Marlin Magazine also recommends leaving lockers open to promote airflow.

Moisture control is key to avoiding mould. Practical Boat Owner suggests moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier if you have shore power, alongside simply leaving doors and lockers ajar for circulation.

Batteries and Electrics

Your electrical system also needs attention. Fully charge your batteries, then either remove them for storage in a cool, dry place or keep them onboard connected to a smart charger. Disconnect terminals if batteries remain in situ to reduce drain, says Practical Boat Owner.

Check wiring, apply corrosion inhibitor where needed, and remove or power down non-essential electronics.

Interiors and Personal Gear

Anything soft is prone to damp. Cushions, bedding, curtains and clothing should be taken home. Clear out food, cleaning chemicals, and anything flammable. Clean all interior surfaces thoroughly with a mildew-resistant cleaner and fit moisture traps in cabins and lockers, advises Nanaimo Yacht Charters.

Ventilation is vital — leave hatches cracked open where safe to do so, or install vented covers to keep air flowing.

Covers, Security and Mooring

A good winter cover protects your boat from rain, frost and dirt. If you opt for shrink-wrapping, make sure vents are fitted to prevent condensation, recommends Marlin Magazine.

Boats left afloat need extra care. Double up on lines, fit extra fenders, and use chafe guards. Boats.com highlights that boats kept in the water often require closer attention than those ashore, particularly during winter storms.

Final Checks

Before walking away for the season, run through your checklist:

All systems drained or treated
Batteries secured or stored
Covers in place and ventilated
Lines and fenders checked
Emergency contacts shared with your marina

It’s also worth photographing systems like plumbing or wiring before you dismantle them — a lifesaver when putting everything back together in the spring.

Why It Matters

Laying up properly may feel like a long list of chores, but it’s the best investment you can make in your boat’s health. Practical Boat Owner puts it simply: “Action in autumn is often the best defence.” A few days of care now can mean the difference between a relaxed launch in April and an expensive repair bill.

At King Point Marina, our team is here to help berth holders through the process. Whether you’re hauling out or wintering afloat, we can advise on local trades, protective covers, or just offer a hand with planning.

For more advice, or to discuss winter services, get in touch with the Marina Office on 01752 424297 or marina@kingpointmarina.co.uk.