Why put your boat in winter storage?
When we talk about winter, it's time to talk about winterizing your boat.
This is a crucial step to preserve its condition and guarantee you beautiful getaways at sea when the fine weather returns.
At OMV, your specialist in boat sales and boat rentals, in Grimaud,
Why winterize your boat?
Winterizing your boat is an essential operation to preserve its condition and guarantee you beautiful outings at sea during the next season.
It protects your vessel from winter weather conditions that can degrade its condition such as:
- humidity combined with sea salt promotes corrosion of metals causing oxidation and rust as well as mold formation;
- temperature variationscan cause cracks that can impair the condition and operation of your boat;
- frostis a factor that can damage water circuits and engines;
- bad weather (rain, wind, snow) rapidly accelerates the degradation of the materials making up your boat.
Every year, protect your boat by winterizing it to enjoy it for many years to come with OMV in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez!
What are the steps for winterizing a boat?
Winterizing a boat is an essential step to preserve its condition and longevity. Several steps must then be followed.
Boat preparation
First, it is necessary to proceed with the preparation of your boat.
Boat cleaning
The deep cleaning of your boat consists of removing dirt, algae and shells from the hull, deck and its equipment that may have accumulated over the season. Interior cleaning of your boat is equally important with washing of surfaces, sanitary facilities, cushions, carpets and storage spaces.
Empty the tanks
You must also drain the fuel tank, the fresh water tank and the black water tank and then rinse them with fresh water to remove all residue.
Protect the systems
To proceed with system protection, it is wise to think about:
- draining the engine cooling circuit;
- administering antifreeze in the engine cooling circuit;
- lubricating moving mechanisms (hardware, hinges);
- checking and protecting electronic and electrical components.
Engine winterization
Next comes engine winterization to protect it from the ravages of winter.
Fresh water rinsing
The cooling circuit is rinsed with fresh water to remove salt and impurities.
Application of anti-fouling
To protect your vessel from the proliferation of aquatic organisms, anti-fouling is applied, a paint dedicated to this purpose.
Oil change
The engine oil should be replaced with special winterization oil.
Protection of the engine interior
Subsequently, a preservation product is used to protect the valves and cylinders.
Propeller protection
The propeller is removed from the water and protected from corrosion.
Protection of the boat interior
To protect the interior of your boat, it is important to:
- ventilate your boat: open portholes, lockers and hatches to prevent condensation and promote air circulation;
- absorb moisture with dehumidifiers if needed;
- protect leather and fabrics by using suitable products.
Your entire boat must be winterized so you can find it in the same condition when the fine weather returns.
Boat storage
Storing your boat is the final phase of winterizing your boat.
It must be stored in a dry place, sheltered from temperature variations and bad weather. It must be supported and wedged to prevent the boat from moving during winterization and to prevent the hull from warping.
OMV offers you end-to-end support by picking up your boat from its mooring; then proceeding with its winterization and maintenance (engine, hull, electrical, anti-fouling...). Delivery will be in spring so you can sail again.
Learn more about our boat storage and winterization service
Why entrust the winterization of your boat to OMV in Grimaud?
OMV is first and foremost a team of nautical enthusiasts, equipped with solid experience in maintenance, boat hauling and boat repair in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, in Grimaud.
We store your boat in a hangar equipped with security systems to protect your vessel from theft and fire risk. We adapt to your needs through our personalized services.
We pick up your boat directly from its mooring to take full care of it.
By choosing OMV in Grimaud, you choose:
- peace of mind knowing your boat is in good hands;
- successful winterization of your boat thanks to our equipment and expertise;
- significant time savings, as we take care of everything.
Contact us now and get your personalized quote to discover all our services in the Var.