More unsettled weather ahead? Is your boat prepared?

At Pantaenius, we see first-hand through our claims experience the damage that severe weather can cause. While some weather-related losses are unavoidable, good preparation can make a significant difference – particularly at a time of year when boats may be used and visited less frequently.

Whether your boat is staying afloat this winter or being laid up ashore, now is a good time to consider where the vulnerabilities might be.

If your boat is staying afloat

Mooring lines and fenders are an obvious place to start. Check lines carefully for signs of wear and chafe and make sure fenders are correctly positioned and securely attached. Depending on the berth and forecast conditions, additional lines and fenders may also be worth considering.

Think about what is exposed above deck too. Covers, canopies, sails and other equipment need to be properly secured. Something that performs perfectly well in normal conditions can behave very differently when exposed to prolonged or severe winds.

Below deck, check for potential sources of water ingress and make sure bilge pumps and batteries are in good working order. Cockpit and deck drains should also be kept clear, particularly if heavy or prolonged rainfall is expected.

And remember, your boat isn't the only potential risk. In a marina or crowded mooring, neighbouring boats that aren’t properly secured can cause damage to otherwise well-prepared vessels. It’s always worth keeping an eye out for each other, checking neighbouring boats is not only a nice thing to do, but could also help protect your own boat.

If your boat is ashore

Taking a boat out of the water removes some risks, but it doesn't remove the threat from severe weather.

Check that the boat is properly supported and that its cradle or props are suitable and secure. Covers also deserve particular attention. While they protect a boat from the elements, poorly fitted or oversized covers can create considerable windage in strong conditions.

Remove or secure loose equipment and consider what is around the boat. Dinghies, equipment and other unsecured objects can all become hazards in high winds.

Again, regular checks are important. Conditions can change over the course of the winter and something that was secure when the boat was laid up may not remain that way several weeks or months later.

The risk of leaving a boat unattended

For many owners, one of the biggest changes at this time of year is simply how often they see their boat.

A line beginning to chafe, a fender that has moved out of position, a loose cover or a small leak may be spotted quickly during the boating season. In winter, the same problem could go unnoticed for days or weeks.

If you aren't able to visit your boat regularly, consider whether someone else can check it on your behalf – particularly following periods of severe weather.

Don't wait for the warning

If bad weather is forecast, preparation is best done early.

Allow enough time to visit the boat while conditions are still safe and recheck mooring lines, fenders, covers, deck equipment and anything else that could be vulnerable.

Weather and sea conditions can deteriorate quickly, and no boat is worth putting yourself at risk for. Once severe conditions arrive, personal safety should always come first.

A little preparation can make a big difference

We can't control the weather, but we can take sensible steps to reduce the potential for avoidable damage.

Checking the boat now, keeping an eye on forecasts and continuing to inspect it throughout the winter could make all the difference when the weather deteriorates.

To make that easier, we've put together a Pantaenius Storm Preparation Checklist covering some of the key things to consider whether your boat is staying afloat or spending the winter ashore.

Is your boat ready for bad weather?

A few simple checks before severe weather arrives can help reduce the risk of damage. Use this checklist as a starting point, taking into account your own boat, berth and storage arrangements.

Preparation can't control the weather – but it can help reduce the risk of preventable damage.

This checklist provides general guidance only. Every vessel, berth and storage arrangement is different. Owners should consider the particular requirements of their boat and follow relevant advice from their marina, harbour, boatyard or other marine professionals.

Download Checklist