5 Fall Fixes to Winterize Your Boat Right

Applying a fresh coat of antifouling paint during fall haulout helps protect the hull through winter and ensures faster spring launch prep. Courtesy AkzoNobel

As boating season winds down, smart boaters know that fall is the time to get ahead on maintenance before winter storage. According to AkzoNobel’s yacht coatings expert Ray Tucker, even a small effort now can make a major difference next spring.

“Fall maintenance is a key opportunity to set the boat up for success next season,” says Tucker, Regional Technical Service Manager. “A spot of preventative maintenance now can go a long way toward avoiding costly repairs and time-consuming prep in the spring.” 

Here are five expert tips from our friends on the AkzoNobel team to keep your boat’s hull, topsides, and gear in great shape through the offseason:

1. Clean Hulls the Right Way
Before you put the boat away, give the hull a proper pressure wash to remove slime, growth, and salt buildup. AkzoNobel recommends using a 25° or 15° tip—never a 0° or rotary nozzle, which can gouge paint or gelcoat. Always work from the top down, and steer clear of sensitive areas like rubber outdrives and through-hulls. If you’re cleaning bilges or tanks, be especially mindful of runoff and local environmental regulations. A thorough cleaning now prevents stains from setting and helps you spot trouble areas while they’re still small.

Careful hull prep and coating application—like this boatyard job in progress—can extend the life of your finish and improve performance. Courtesy AkzoNobel

2. Check Decks and Topsides for Refinishing
Fall is the perfect time to inspect your paint or gelcoat above the waterline. If the finish is chalky, faded, or no longer beading water, it may be time to restore its protection. While full refinishing might be a spring project, you can extend the life of your topsides with a deep clean and a protective polish. Products like Awlgrip Awlcare provide a non-yellowing polymer sealant that shields against UV rays, salt spray, and airborne pollutants. Tackling it now means less work when the weather warms up.

3. Cover and Store with Care
After your topside work, it’s crucial to store the boat properly. Choose a ventilated cover system that allows air circulation and keeps moisture from building up underneath. Avoid letting shrink wrap rest directly on painted or gelcoated surfaces—trapped condensation can lead to blistering and dulling. Make sure lines are tight and secure to prevent chafe or damage in high winds. A little time spent ensuring good coverage can help prevent costly cosmetic repairs later.

4. Inspect Below the Waterline
Once the boat is hauled, take the opportunity to check for signs of wear below the waterline. Look for flaking antifouling, worn zincs, corrosion around metal gear, and signs of blistering or delamination. If your bottom paint is more than eight years old—or if it’s showing signs of failure—it may be time to strip it and start fresh. A barrier coat like Interlux InterProtect or Sea Hawk Tuff Stuff helps guard against water intrusion and gives new antifouling a solid foundation.

5. Apply Fresh Antifouling
Fall is an ideal time to apply new antifouling. Recoating now with a long-lasting, multi-season product such as Micron CSC, Trilux 33, or Sea Hawk Biocop TF ensures your hull is protected and launch-ready in the spring. These formulations offer flexibility in timing and provide extended protection against biofouling. You’ll avoid the springtime crunch and sail into the season with confidence.

Remember: Not sure about a step or working outside your comfort zone? Consult a trusted boatyard or professional applicator. A bit of expert help now can mean less hassle—and more sailing—when spring returns.

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