Beyond the Waves: Unveiling the Hidden Advantages of Winter Boat Storage

There is more to owning a RIB boat than riding the waves and sea adventures. When the boating season ends, caring for your Cobra RIB is essential.

Part of ensuring your RIB is ready for the winter is putting it in winter boat storage.

Without proper care and storage, you put your boat at risk of mould, mildew, frost damage and more.

On top of maintaining your boat, there are many advantages of winter RIB boat storage.

Protection from Freezing

Storing boats in dry winter storage protects them from freezing water. Ice formation in waterways can cause significant damage to a boat's hull, engine, and other components.

Keeping your RIB boat in winter storage and out of freezing water will eradicate the risk of frost damage.

Prevention of Hull Damage

Exposure to freezing temperatures, ice, and snow can cause hull damage. Storing RIB boats out of the water prevents potential cracking or damage due to ice expansion.

Even if you still use your RIB boat throughout the winter, we recommend that you place it in dry winter storage for at least two months to give it a chance to dry out. This will prevent osmosis of the hull.

With no damage to the hull, your RIB will be ready for you to use as soon as the temperatures rise.

Reduced Corrosion

Keeping boats in dry storage while not being used during winter reduces the exposure to water, preventing corrosion on metal parts, such as the hull, propellers, and fittings.

Prevent the Growth of Marine Organisms

Dry winter storage prevents the growth of marine organisms like algae, barnacles, and mussels that could attach to the hull and other parts of the RIB boat if they remain in the water while not being used.

Maintenance and Repairs

Winter storage provides an opportunity for maintenance and repairs. It allows you to inspect, clean, and perform necessary maintenance tasks, ensuring the boat is in optimal condition for the next season.

There are several steps that you should take to look after your Cobra RIB during the winter, so when completing these steps, you can inspect the boat and carry out any repairs should there be any.

Security and Theft Prevention

Storing boats in designated facilities or marinas often provides enhanced security measures, reducing the risk of theft or vandalism during the off-season.

Extended Lifespan

Properly storing a boat during winter helps extend its lifespan by preventing damage caused by freezing temperatures, ice, and environmental exposure.

Many RIB boat owners will utilise this time to complete any maintenance actions or servicing that might be required. They use the time to clean the boat and winterise the engine, all of which will ensure that the mechanical and material elements of the RIB boat are well looked after, extending their life span.

Get Your Rib Boat Ready For Winter Storage

Prior to putting your RIB boat in winter storage, it is imperative that you prepare it correctly. Taking the time now will ensure that returning it to the water in a few months will be smooth so you can get out on the water quickly.

Cobra offers a range of boat services that will help you get your boat winter-ready. These services include hull jetwash, antifouling and valeting, along with any other repairs that may be needed.

We also offer winter storage, making your life easier than ever as you won't need to transfer your RIB to another storage facility after using our boat services.

Enquire about our RIB boat winter storage today by calling 01202 612712 or completing our contact form.