On the Water for Winter: Bavaria 30

[livefats]

At the end of our first season with Freebird, we've decided to leave her on the water over winter (pontoon berth, Largs, Scotland.) We used to do this with our previous boat - but she was rather more basic (no water system on board for a start!) so we're anxious to do things right.


Not connected to shore power; galvanic isolator fitted; no dehumidifiers or heaters.

These are our plans thus far:

Drain the calorifier (by opening taps in "hot" position)
Drain water tank
Leave taps in "on" position
Remove deck shower head
Empty holding tank
Diesel 3/4 full
Close all through hull fittings/seacocks - heads, sinks, engine in/out
Engine winterised (probably by DDZ!)
Batteries left fully charged and connected, all isolators turned off (which will presumably leave the automatic bilge pump ready to spring into action)
Doors but not cupboards left open
Windows/hatches secured
Check hoists and halliards against frapping
Lock up shop
Double check mooring warps

Things not yet determined:
Tender currently strapped to bathing platform - leave on?
Outboard - currently secured to pushpit rail - cover and leave on?
Sails: on or off?

Is there anything I've overlooked - or do you have any comments? Any help or advice, as ever, gratefully received.

[livefats]

Whoops - should have added gas off, gas bottle disconnected.

[nornie lees]

If leaving a yacht with furling Genoa make sure you tie furling drum to pulpit, this stops the drum rotating in extreme winds. This is done by passing 8-10mm rope through bottom of Genoa where connected to drum. I do this every time i leave yacht on our swinging mooring.

rgds Ray

[livefats]

Thanks, Ray - will do!

[livefats]

Just an update: I've added a couple of things to the list:

Disinfect the water tank (non-bleach product)
Antifreeze - "palatable" (non-toxic) in watertank, sink sump, shower sump, bilgepumps (2) and a slosh in the bilges.

Again,, comments or sugestions welcome!

[MIA]

Ive left mine in the water at Largs as few time during the winter electricity was off and all was OK, didnt need to drain any water tanks, just went down to check things over every cuple of weeks.

Stevie

[livefats]

Thanks, Stevie. I might be in "overkill" mode: I guess in many ways being on the water will make the boat slightly warmer than if she were on land during cold spells. My breaks between visits will be longer than yours, though (4 hours each way from home!)

[MIA]

I was going to lift mine out last weekend in October but keeping it in until December and I'm not draining anywater, once I lift it out I will drain it and completely fill the diesel tank to maximum. If you like I'll cast an eye around the boat when I'm down at Largs over the winter

[livefats]

Thanks, Stevie: If you'd keep the odd eye out on Freebird on J21, that'd be much appreciated.

[Ricd]

Just remember that simply draining the calorifier by opening hot taps will not drain all water out of the unit. When water stops exiting the hot taps you will then need to open the unit at the bottom drain location and allow it to fully empty into the bilge or a suitable container.  I friend based in Oban did not realise this was necessary one winter and had to buy a new calorified before the start of next season

[livefats]

Good advice, Ric: thank you. I'd have missed this otherwise!

[Salty]

I drain the fresh water system down, then having done all the bits you suggest I connect an air pump (dinghy pump will do) to the open galley tap using gaffer tape, and blow through the lines to the open ended shower hose. With a bucket underneath to help keep a check on what's happening, and keep blowing until no more water comes out. I got caught out during the first winter and had to buy a new shower head, but no problems since using the air pump.

[livefats]

Good idea, Salty - I'll add it to my list for this winter!

[Trapeze Artist]

I continue to use my boat through the winter (though not much!) so I don't do any real winterising.

The water system is left operational.
The first winter I didn't touch the transom shower so it froze up and broke. But who takes an outside shower in Britain?! It is now isolated from the rest of the system and left to fend for itself.
I use a de-humidifier, and close the deckhead ventilator.
I take home as much soft furnishings as possible, leaving just the main cushions/mattresses. Those are tipped up while the boat is moored to allow air circulation.

It works for me.

[livefats]

Thanks, TA: that sounds the ideal situation. We're "time-poor" ATM, and so after exended Summer cruising we tend to leave the boat from Novemeber to April, so winterising is a priority at least for peace of mind!