- Frost protection matters less, but engines, batteries and humidity still need attention.
- Winter storms are the main risk for boats left afloat: check lines, fenders and chafe.
- Run or properly lay up the engine; months of standing still are hard on it.
- A monthly visit with photos catches most problems before they become expensive.
Afloat or ashore?
Many boats in Spain stay in the water all winter, which is perfectly reasonable in a sheltered marina. Ashore storage reduces the risk of leaks and storm damage and lets the hull dry out, but it brings its own tasks: proper cradle support, a cover that does not trap moisture and access for any winter work.
Engine
- Change the engine oil and filter before the lay-up, not after it. Used oil contains acids that attack bearings while the engine stands.
- Check coolant concentration; even without frost it protects against corrosion.
- Flush outboards and the raw water side of inboards with fresh water.
- Fill the fuel tank to reduce condensation, and consider a stabiliser if the boat will not be used for months.
- Either run the engine to full temperature every few weeks or lay it up properly. A short idle run that never warms it up does more harm than good.
Batteries and electrics
A battery left partly discharged for months loses capacity permanently. Keep batteries charged on shore power with a good marine charger, or disconnect and charge them fully before leaving. Check that the bilge pump still has power if the boat stays afloat.
Humidity and mould
Winter is the damp season on the coast. Leave lockers and doors open, remove cushions and bedding if possible, and use ventilation or a dehumidifier where shore power allows. A closed boat with wet sails and cushions will smell of mould by spring.
Take photos of the mooring lines and fenders before you leave. Whoever checks the boat over the winter can compare and spot chafe or a missing fender at a glance.
Lines, fenders and storms
Winter easterlies and occasional strong storms can hit the Mediterranean coast hard. Double up lines, add chafe protection where they cross fairleads, set fenders for both a calm and a surging berth, and remove or secure anything that can catch wind: biminis, sprayhoods, furling headsails.
Deck and interior
- Wash salt off the deck, stainless and canvas before leaving.
- Empty and clean fridges, leave them open.
- Drain fresh water tanks if the boat will be unused for a long time.
- Close seacocks that do not need to stay open (never the cockpit drains).
Who checks the boat while you are away?
The single most useful winter service is a regular visit: lines, bilge, batteries, a look below and a few photos. Krautic offers boat care visits with a short report after each one, so you know the boat is fine without having to fly in.