Winter yacht storage: afloat or ashore — how to choose
Every autumn boat owners face the same question: leave the boat in the water for the winter or lift her out and store her ashore. There is no single right answer. It depends on the boat, the local climate, the facilities of your marina and whether you want to use the boat in the off-season.
Staying afloat is usually simpler and lets you go out on a calm winter day. The water also softens sharp temperature swings. On the other hand, fouling keeps growing, and someone still has to check mooring lines, fenders, the batteries and the bilge pump regularly. In some harbours winter storms or ice are a real risk.
Storage ashore lets the hull dry out and gives easy access to everything below the waterline: antifouling, anodes, through-hull fittings, shaft, propeller and rudder. Plan the lift carefully. Show the yard where the travel-lift slings should go, point out the log and echo-sounder transducers, and ask for a pressure wash straight after the lift, while the growth is still soft.
On land the boat must be properly supported. The keel should sit on solid keel blocks, and the hull should be held by adjustable stands or a cradle that suits its shape; stands are usually chained or strapped together. Ask the yard about their standard practice, including whether the mast should be unstepped.
Afloat or ashore, a well-fitted cover or winter tent protects the deck and cockpit from rain, snow and sun. It should be tight enough not to flap in the wind, but with vents: trapped moisture quickly leads to condensation and mould. Inside, leave lockers and hatches ajar, take cushions and sails home if you can, and leave the boat dry.
Check your insurance before the lay-up. Some policies have special conditions for the winter period, for example where and how the boat may be stored. Ask your insurer what applies to you. And book your winter place early: in popular marinas and yards spaces and lift dates are often taken well before the season ends.
If you are still looking for a marina, boatyard or dry storage near your home port, you can find and compare nearby options in the NautMap catalogue.