MES Ltd based in North Wales can provide you with a winterisation and inspection service. Should you require boat winterisation North Wales, please contact us by phone or email.

If you are planning to take your boat out of commission over the winter, then it is important that you winterise the engine and boat, otherwise come the spring, you may start to incur problems before you launch.

There are different levels of winterisation dependent on the boat/engine and should be done in line with the manufacturers recommendations. List of care for your boat during winter is provided below but this is not exhaustive and includes:-

1.    Fill your diesel fuel tank to the top – this helps prevent condensation from building up inside the tank thus minimising the chance of diesel bug growth. Fuel additive maybe required to be added if there are suspect signs of the bug.

2.    Check fuel filler cap seal – this is to stop any water from entering the fuel tank to eliminate risk of diesel fuel bug growth.

3.    Change the engine oil – run engine up to temperature, drain oil and refill with correct grade oil for your engine. This safeguards the engine from any corrosive acidic remnants of combustion remaining in there over the winter. Oil should be responsibly disposed.

4.    Change the oil filter – Combustion products can build up in the filter which restricts the flow so it is a good idea to change a minimum of once a year and in line with manufacturer’s recommendations. This can be a messy job and filters should be responsibly disposed.

5.    Change and drain fuel pre-filter – this can establish if there is a problem with the fuel

6.    Check fresh water cooling level and top up – check the condition of the anti-freeze (correct ratio of water to anti-freeze). Anti-freeze guards the engine from the cold and, also acts as a corrosion inhibiter protection the internal water ways within the engine

7.    Drain the cooling system for raw/fresh water cooled diesel engines, refill with anti-freeze solution and run up engine to circulate the solution around

8.    Check the sea water pump impeller – if impeller remains in one position for too long it can become deformed and less effective. Impellers should be changed annually as a minimum.

9.    Clean and inspect the engine. Look at the electrical wiring, check for water, fuel or oil leaks.

10. Clean bilges – this helps spotting any faults easier and earlier.

11. Disconnect batteries, check levels and charge up (check and charge every month to keep them in order). Batteries may need replacing if not keeping their charge.

12. Prevent rust build up by removing air intake filter and block entry with something like an oily rag.

13. Block off the exhaust (for example using tape, rags or bung) to help prevent moisture from getting into the engine

14. Don’t forget about the interior upholstery and furnishings which may need to be removed. Ventilate areas by leaving cupboard doors ajar etc.

We also have indoor secure storage facilities within our premises should you wish to place your boat undercover for the winter.