- Holly
Sailboat Wintering Checklist
It's that time again to tuck AWEN in for the winter and make sure she's got everything she needs to cuddle up safe on the hard in Turkey. As promised in our last podcast, we are providing a full wintering checklist for us as we do our first haulout and winter on the hard versus in the water. Send us a note if we forgot anything.

Pre-Docking
STERN STRAP (starboard) - remove wheel
STAINLESS STEEL - clean all stainless and fix any rusting stains on gelcoat
MOSQUITO NET SLIDERS - to wash
TEAK - remove dolphin seats
COVERS - put all covers on: winches, helm, table, plancha etch.
OUTBOARD - remove Suzuki engine before docking
OUTBOARD - remove outboard from dinghy
FRESH WATER - fill up tanks for watermaker wintering and to fill up black water tanks
DIESEL - fill up diesel tanks
BLACK WATER - pump out tanks
STICKERS - clean stickers
KARVER HOOK - test with Dynema loop
MAINSAIL - lake main, to add inside tarp to protect from rain
GENOA - take genoa off
LINES - remove running rigging
At the Dock, Prior to Haulout
VOLVO ENGINE/SAILDRIVE 600 HR service
HARDWARE WINCHES service
GENERATOR service
FUEL FILTER - water separator cleanup
SUZUKI OUTBOARD - engine check/service
RUNNING RIGGING - check/lube
BATTERY MANAGEMENT - check system, determine if auto charger is needed
WATER HEATER - clean, check
AQUABASE WATERMAKER - pickling
AIR COMPRESSOR - check/clean
GELCOAT FIXES - check for any cracks and repair as needed
WASH - pressure wash boat, tent, cushions
DEPTH SOUNDER - remove before haulout
FUEL - add preservative to diesel tanks
DINGHY - lock to the boat, open plugs, and to add cover
CANVAS TENT - take tent and cushions off, store inside the boat or fix anything, create opening where davit lines currently touch the tent
BATTERIES - check all batteries are fully charged
LINES - wash all lines, including dock lines
LIFE RAFT - lock it under the stairs
TOILETS - flush all toilets with fresh water and empty tanks
THROUGH HULLS - turn ON/OFF and leave OFF
DOORS & HATCHES - rinse/grease sliding doors and hatches (seals)
OVEN VENT - tape cockpit ventilation for rodents
SCUBA TANKS - leave air in scuba tanks (50 bars?)
MAINSAIL TRACK & CARS - clean and lubricate
BLOCKS - clean and lubricate
SHROUDS - check turnbuckles and crimping of shrouds
RIGGING - check the complete rigging
ANCHORAGE/WINDLASS - rinse with fresh water the anchor well (windlass, chain...)
STEERING SYSTEM - check cable level, to grease steering system, to check rudder bearings, to check level of autopilot (change the autopilot level - when?)
ELECTRICAL - check/tighten/grease cable lugs and power connectors
AIR CONDITIONING - clean suction strainers and sea water filters, to check function pressures, clean condensers' collecting tanks
PLUMBING - test electrical and manual bilge pumps, to check water groups under pressure (leaks), check/handle/grease of 1/4 turn valves
BLACK WATER - drain, rinse and fill it with fresh water and antibacterial product
WASHER / DRYER - drain / clean
WASH - every surface inside boat
FRIDGES / FREEZER - empty and clean, and to leave door ajar. To check door seals
STORAGE AREAS (cockpit and anchor locker) - to remove items and store inside the boat OR to lock
LAUNDRY – wash everything
LINENS - vacuum bag clothes and linens
CHAFE - dd anti-chafe pads on mooring lines
RODENTS add anti mouse sheaves on mooring lines
Post-Haulhout
PROPELLER - check, service and apply propspeed
COPPERCOAT - check and fix any patches
VALET - arrange for someone to take a look once in a while (battery status, bug infestations, water under floorboards, mildew, bilge pumps...)
MAINSAIL - angle boom, to protect ends (so bugs, birds don't nest in), to wrap line around mainsail bag to protect from wind
HULL - check hull anodes, sea cocks
HULL - plug holes with sponges (?) to prevent bugs and other creatures.
MOORING CLEATS - tighten
BRIDLE - untwist and check length
CHAIN SWIVEL - check
CHAIN - reverse chain, add markers every 10 meters (paint?)
FRESH WATER - drain fresh water tanks, including the deck shower
WATER FILTRATION - remove and dispose carbon filter, and to check the new one is compatible
TEAK - remove helm station steps, clean and oil all teak
HATCHES - close and lock all hatches