The cooler months have settled in across the Sounds and you should (if you haven’t already) give your boat the attention it deserves before winter fully takes hold. A few key preparations now can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the line—plus keep your vessel shipshape for you next adventure.

1. Engine & Fuel Care

Top off your fuel tanks to prevent condensation and add a marine fuel stabilizer. Run the engine briefly to circulate the treated fuel. It’s also a great time to flush the cooling system and change the oil and filters. A quick online search for ‘winterising your specific motor brand’ will provide a step-by-step guide like this one from Parsuns.

2. Electrical System Check

Charge batteries fully and disconnect them if you’re not visiting regularly. Inspect all wiring for corrosion or wear. You may even choose to remove your batteries and store them in a warm dry location for the winter.

3. Clean & Dry Everything

Mildew is winter’s calling card. Remove all perishables, wipe down interior surfaces, and leave moisture absorbers onboard. Now is a good time to take any linen, clothing, blankets and even curtains home for a wash and store them until they are needed again. Remember to open any storage lockers and keep ventilation flowing where you can.

Don’t forget to check and clean your bilge – read more here – removing the mixture of water, chemicals and dirt from your bilge protects the hull and everything in it and helps us to protect our marine environment.

4. Secure Your Covers & Lines

Marlborough’s blustery winter squalls can cause considerable damage to boat covers and furled headsails. Check that your boat cover is well-fitted and free from tears. Best practice for headsails, if the vessel is not going to be used, is to remove, flake, and stow. Reinforce dock lines with chafe guards and double up if needed, ensuring there is ample fendering for the most severe of gales.

5. Use the Hardstand at Waikawa Marina Service Centre

Our hardstand provides a safe, secure space to haul out your vessel for thorough maintenance and inspections. Centrally located, the facility includes boat repairers, painters, marine engineers, riggers, chandlery, and outboard motor services—all supported by a full-service 7,000 m² hardstand and a 35-tonne Marine Travelift.

You can find more information about our Marine Service Centre here.

Following these few simple steps now can keep you safe and stress-free the next time you’re out on the water—and save you from turning a great day out into a rescue mission. If things do go wrong, Coastguard’s got your back with free on-water assistance for members. Not a member yet? Join today!