Even for those mooring in Liguria, it’s time to think about winterization: here are tips for maintaining your boat during the coldest season of the year

Winter has now arrived, and, having left the boat in a safe harbor, such as the one in Genoa, while waiting for the good season, we have gathered some useful tips to leave your boats moored safely and keep them in excellent condition.

1) ELECTRICAL SYSTEM – During the winter period, it is good practice to deactivate the switches of unnecessary electrical circuits and ensure that the electrical system is clean, dust-free, and well-ventilated.

2) BATTERIES – If you don’t have maintenance-free batteries, it’s important to check the fluid level. The battery terminals should be clean and well-protected; moreover, they should be well-ventilated and the battery charger should be in good condition.

3) ENGINE – The engine compartment should be clean and dry. Furthermore, to avoid operational problems, it is necessary to perform an annual maintenance check that includes changing the oil and filters, including the replacement of fuel filters.

4) PROTECT THE INTERIORS – First, it’s important to ensure that the bilges are clean and dry. The keyword is always “ventilate”. To reduce the risk of damage to the electrical system and interiors caused by humidity, it is advisable to use a dehumidifier or, alternatively, a more economical ambient dehumidification kit. As for freshwater systems, they should be treated with an antibacterial additive and rinsed before use.

5) PROTECT THE EXTERIORS – Before leaving the boat in storage, it’s important to ensure that all objects on deck are well-protected and, if you don’t plan to sail for an extended period, it’s advisable to stow the cushions inside the boat.

Check that the portholes and doors close and are watertight, and don’t hesitate to double the lines and add more fenders.

6) FOR SAILBOATS – If you have a sailboat, it is advisable to remove all the sails, fold them carefully and stow them inside, keeping them dry; also, don’t forget to secure the halyards away from the mast!

These operations, although sometimes they can be tiring, will allow you to protect your boat and ensure its prolonged life! For those who have chosen Marina Porto Antico to spend the winter, we can suggest a rich list of artisans and companies to carry out maintenance work and to help with the winterization of your boat.