Many of us are hitting the water for our last pleasure cruises of the season, and while the last thing on our minds is winter weather, staying aware of what you need to protect your boat against the colder months is essential to avoid costly damages. At Yacht Care Systems, we know that proper winterization and preventative maintenance are essential when it comes to protecting your watercraft and ensuring you’re ready to sail once warm weather rolls back around. 

Our team is here to ensure that your yacht is protected and properly cared for in every season. We are pleased to offer comprehensive winterization services and monthly care packages that keep your boat in top shape all year round. 

Below, we’ll discuss the five top concerns for protecting personal yachts during winter and the benefits of utilizing our services. Read on to learn more!

Freezing Temperatures

It should come as no surprise that one of the predominant concerns during the winter months is overcoming the risks posed by freezing temperatures. While ambient temperatures may remain somewhat warm in the Vancouver region, water temperatures are often much colder, and the air coming off the water can lead to the risk of water and fluids freezing in your yacht’s systems. Our winterization services help avoid this by:

• Draining all fresh and wastewater systems, including water tanks, pipes, and any onboard appliances that use water. 
• Adding antifreeze to your engine, generator and plumbing systems to prevent any lingering moisture from freezing
• Flushing engines with fresh water and circulating with antifreeze to protect mechanical components. All manufacturer-specific winterization needs will also be handled.
• Installing winter covers. Winter covers help to protect the exterior against the elements and prevent ice from forming on the deck and in the bilge. 

Moisture and Humidity

Moisture and humidity are a threat to your watercraft all year round, but this can be particularly harmful with the extra condensation that comes with winter. Left untreated, excess moisture can lead to mold, mildew and corrosion, all of which can cause serious damage to your yacht’s interior 

We help prevent this by ensuring your yacht is well-ventilated, placing dehumidifiers to help absorb extra moisture, and routinely checking all seals, hatches and windows to catch any early signs of leaks or other issues that warrant fast repair. We’ll also inspect, clean, and dry all interior components before sealing up the yacht for the winter, paying special attention to moisture-prone areas like the galley and head.

Ice Damage

Ice can be extremely destructive, especially if your yacht is stored in the water during winter. Ice buildup can damage the hull, propellers, and other underwater components, leading to costly repairs or even full boat failure if the damage is extreme enough. Our team helps to protect against this by installing ice eaters or bubblers around docked yachts to keep water circulating, as well as offering haul-out services when necessary to provide the best possible protecting against ice forming. 

Battery Failure

Cold weather wreaks havoc on even the strongest machine batteries, and yachts are no exception. Batteries that are not properly stored and maintained can often die over the winter as well as suffer from internal damage due to freezing. Yacht Care Systems will remove and store your battery in a cool, dry place that helps keep it in optimal condition. We’ll also charge and routinely check the condition of your battery all season long so you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing it’s ready to go come the next boating season. 

Storm Damage

Finally, winter often brings tumultuous weather that can pose the risk of storms causing harm to your yacht. Heavy winds, snow, and freezing rain can seriously damage yachts of all sizes, especially if they haven’t been properly secured and prepped. Yacht Care Systems ensures that all yachts in our care are securely moored with high-quality lines, removes all sails and biminis to prevent damage, and will routinely inspect your docking arrangement and make adjustments as needed for optimal protection. In the event of snow, we’ll promptly remove any condensation and dry surfaces as needed to prevent damage. 

Peace of Mind is a Luxury You Should Never Have to Compromise On

Winterizing your yacht is an essential part of responsible yacht ownership and allows you to enjoy your boat for as long as possible. At Yacht Care Systems, we’re here to help you with all your winterization needs and routine maintenance and care. 

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you protect your yacht from winter’s challenges and keep you water ready all year round!