Set your course; sail on or winterize?

What a wonderful late summer we have! Hard to believe that the sailing season is already coming to an end. We prefer to postpone the cleaning, maintenance and winterizing for a while to enjoy all the beautiful sailing days. The inevitable end of the season has only really come when night frost threatens. But is that really the end? Of course you can also go winter sailing!

Winter fern on the rise

More and more boat enthusiasts are opting for winter sailing. And why not, you might say: the water is clear, it is nice and quiet on the water and the landscape is almost unrecognizably different. The warmer winters also mean that winter fern is on the rise.

But it also requires extra attention to the condition of the boat. You will have to deal with antifreeze when temperatures drop below zero at night.

Below we list the pros and cons so that you can chart your own course.

Discover new worlds

So sailing on opens new worlds! How magical are the lakes in Friesland in winter? What a beautiful spectacle is the fight between the sun and the fog banks over the fields? You will feel like an explorer in your own country again.

Save yourself hassle

Winter fern saves you time and money, at least some. If only because you do not have to prepare the boat completely for winter. No hassle with pumping out reservoirs and hoses. No hassle with the toilet, the motor and the refrigerator. The boat remains fun all year round: When you go to your boat, it is really only for sailing. And that's how we want it!

Or save money

Many outsource the winterization of the boat to third parties, in connection with the insurance. If you pass, you don't have to. You keep that money in your pocket. It is useful to check your insurance, how they deal with damage in the winter. Insurance is usually not difficult about frost damage, provided you have demonstrably taken the necessary precautions.

Extra preparation, extra anticipation

In winter, different opening times of canals, bridges and locks are used. A trip therefore has to be prepared differently, but that is also part of the anticipation.

Frost protection

Engines that are cooled with outside water require some extra attention when winter sailing. If you put the engine in the antifreeze, remove the thermostat first to make sure the entire engine is protected.
If you have a cooling system, check with an antifreeze meter (automotive parts store) whether the frost protection of the coolant in the closed system is still optimal.

Help with winter fern

Do you already know what you are going to do? Winter fern is an option, provided you pay sufficient attention to frost protection. If you need help or advice with this, take a look in our category Mechanics, installers and painters. Here you will find names and addresses of various professional companies. Sometimes yachtbuilders also provide such services.

Of course, these companies can also help you if you decide not to use the boat in the winter. For anyone racing this option, we hope spring is back soon!

Would you like to read the previous news items? Go to the blog page

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