Winter in Aotearoa brings cooler temperatures, unpredictable weather and long stretches where many boats sit unused. That mix can increase the chance of damage, especially if you're not prepared for the season.

We've pulled together simple winter maintenance tips, storage advice and a few insurance reminders to help protect your boat over winter and keep your cover working the way you need it to.

Winter maintenance essentials

Cold weather and inactivity can turn small issues into bigger headaches later. An all-over check now can save you time and money when the weather warms up again.

Take the bung out

It's a simple but important step, and one that's easy to miss. If rainwater gets in, removing the bungs will allow it to drain out.

Tip: Leave the bung on your steering wheel so you don't forget next time.

Give everything a good clean and flush

Wash your boat with a decent boat wash and get into the tight spots. If you've been in salt water, this step matters even more. Flush the engine with fresh water to help reduce corrosion over winter.

Book in maintenance

Winter is a smart time to take care of servicing before the spring rush. A marine tech can help you:

  • replace engine oil and filters
  • check gearbox and outdrive fluids
  • complete a full service if it's due.

Check your fuel

Fuel can go stale if it sits for months. If your tank's full, add a fuel stabiliser. If it's not, think about draining it and topping up with fresh fuel before your next trip.

Look after your batteries

Batteries don't love cold, damp corners, and they definitely don't love being left flat.

  • Charge them before storage.
  • Store them somewhere dry and warm.
  • Disconnect them if your boat will be sitting for a while.
  • Use a trickle charger.
  • Replace batteries nearing the end of their life.

Coastguard also recommends

  • Inspect the hull, fittings, and mechanical components for wear or damage.
  • Winterise the engine and plumbing systems to prevent freeze-related issues.

These simple steps can help protect your boat and reduce the chance of problems that may not be covered by your insurance if they're caused by poor maintenance.

For more advice, check out Coastguard's tips on 'Winterising your boat'.

Get your boat ready for winter storage

Storing your boat well helps protect it through winter and reduces the risk of moisture damage, mould and theft.

Air out cabins and reduce moisture

Before storing your boat:

  • remove and clean carpets and soft furnishings
  • air out cabins on dry days
  • use moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier if it's safe to do so.

Pick the best place to store it

Garages are ideal, but if your boat lives outside:

  • Avoid tress, sap, and falling branches.
  • Choose a sunny spot to reduce moisture and mold.
  • Remove fishing gear, water toys, and other valuables.

Tip: Store your boat with the bow slightly raised so water can drain away.

Use a good-quality boat cover

A well-fitted, waterproof cover goes a long way.

  • Make sure it fits tightly and doesn't sag.
  • Create a high point so rain runs off.
  • Check it after strong wind or heavy rain.
  • Lock your cover and trailer to help protect your boat while it's stored.

What if you find an issue?

If you spot damage or wear during your checks, it's best to deal with it straight away. Minor repairs can often be handled quickly by a qualified marine technician, helping prevent bigger problems over winter.

For more serious issues, arrange professional repairs before storing your boat, and keep records of the work done. Staying on top of maintenance helps protect your boat and supports your insurance cover too.

Check and refresh your safety gear

If you're planning a winter trip, or you just want peace of mind, make sure your safety gear is ready.

Having reliable equipment helps keep you safe on the water, year-round.

Don't forget your trailer

Winter is the perfect time to give your trailer a bit of love too.

Wash, inspect and service

  • Start with the basics and check your tyre pressure, tread and cracking on the sidewalls. Low pressure or worn tyres can make towing risky and could slow you down.
  • Take a look at the brakes, lights, winch and safety chain.
  • Check the wheel bearings and overall condition.

Winter's also a good time to update your WOF.

For extra peace of mind, you can add our optional boat trailer benefit, which helps cover loss to your registered and warranted boat trailer listed on your certificate of insurance.*

Tip: If your boat and trailer are kept at home over winter, consider a wheel clamp or locking hitch to help keep everything secure.

Review your insurance cover for winter

Even when your boat is out of the water, boat insurance still matters. Winter can bring storms, falling branches, theft or vandalism, all of which can happen while your boat's stored.

Our Boat Comprehensive cover includes accidental loss, theft, fire, recovery and temporary storage costs. Our optional lay-up cover gives you certain cover, for a reduced premium, while your boat isn't used.*

Here's what to run through before winter sets in:

  • Check your boat's covered both on and off the water.
  • See if you need extra cover for equipment like fishing or diving gear.
  • Review your policy's exclusions and responsibilities so you know exactly what is and isn't covered.
  • List Let your insurer know of any upgrades or new gear you've added over summer.

A few key reminders that help support your cover:

  • Keep your boat well-maintained and seaworthy. That includes storing it securely when it's unattended and keeping all your safety gear in working order.
  • Let us know if something important changes, like where your boat's stored, how it's stored, if someone new starts using it regularly, or if you modify your boat.
  • Take reasonable care, both in looking after your boat and in avoiding damage or legal liability when you're out on the water.
  • Make sure your premiums are up to date so you stay covered.

Coastguard highlights how important it is to keep your cover active year-round. As Coastguard's preferred insurer, we work closely with them to help keep Kiwi boaties confident through winter and beyond.

Consider optional lay-up cover

If your boat won't touch the water for a few months, our optional lay-up cover can be a cost-effective way to stay covered during winter storage. It's ideal if you're planning winter maintenance or giving your boat a longer break.

You'll have cover for things like:

  • fire,
  • theft of your boat or equipment like your motor while it's parked up or in storage,
  • weather events such as a storm or flood that can damage your boat, and
  • malicious damage by vandals, during the months your boat is stored, and you may pay a reduced premium for each month you won't be using your boat.

You may want to consider lay-up cover if you're:

  • hauling out your boat for winter servicing and maintenance.
  • storing your boat at home, in a yard or at a marina over winter.
  • wanting to reduce your premium while avoiding on-water risks.

Tip: If your boat is stored at home, extra security like wheel clamps or motion-activated lights can help prevent theft. See a list of all the recommendations from The Insurance Council and New Zealand Maritime Police.

Making a boat claim

If something does go wrong, the best way to get things moving is to make your claim in My Tower. It's the quickest way to make a claim and lets you upload photos, add details, and track your claim anytime. Don't have an account? Register for My Tower now.

Before you start your claim:

  • Take photos or videos of the damage.
  • Hold off on repairs until we give you the go-ahead.
  • Keep receipts for any emergency costs you've had to cover.
  • Report theft or vandalism to the police and get an incident number.
  • Tell your storage yard or marina if the damage happened there.

Once we have your claim, we'll guide you through the next steps, arrange an assessor if needed, keep you updated, and work to get things sorted quickly.

A few quick steps now can help us get your claim sorted sooner and your boat back on the water. That's forward thinking.

Cover for your boat all year round

With a little preparation, you can help keep your boat safe, dry, and ready for the first warm weekend. If you need cover or want to update it, get a quote for boat insurance and stay future ready all year long.*

Disclaimer:

*This is a summary only. Please read the policy wording to understand the terms, conditions, excesses, limits, sub-limits and exclusions that may apply. Cover is subject to the current underwriting criteria.

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