Winter storage: Remove snow load in good time

Heavy snowfall has been announced. This can pose a risk for boats in outdoor storage. High snow loads on tarpaulins or sagging frames are among the causes of winter damage. Boat owners should therefore take action now: Which steps make sense, which measures can help in concrete terms and why waiting can also have insurance consequences in an emergency.

The weather services are forecasting heavy snowfall in some places over the coming days. For boat owners whose boats are stored outdoors during the winter, i.e. not in a sheltered hall, special care is required in such a situation. Snow means weight, and weight means strain on the tarpaulin, possibly the superstructure and the undercarriage. If you don't act now, you may risk damage to the boat and, in case of doubt, problems with the insurance company.

Snow load: an underestimated risk

Snow seems harmless, but it is not. While dry powder snow appears light at first, its weight increases greatly with moisture. If it lies on a tarpaulin for several days, the load quickly adds up to several hundred kilograms, depending on the surface area and degree of wetness.

Sagging tarpaulins are particularly critical. They act like troughs in which snow and meltwater can collect. This not only puts a strain on the tarpaulin itself, but also on the frame, railing and, in extreme cases, the bearing bracket.

Tension the tarpaulin correctly and support it sensibly

The most important measure in outdoor storage is a taut, correctly fitted tarpaulin. It should be fitted in such a way that there are no horizontal surfaces, but rather a clear slope over which snow can slide. You can find out more about winter tarpaulins in our Special article.

A stable support frame or a tarpaulin frame is highly recommended. Temporary solutions without continuous load distribution increase the risk of punctual overloading. Equally important: all contact points between the tarpaulin and the boat, such as at the railing or sharp edges, should be padded to prevent chafing.

Inspection after snowfall: compulsory instead of optional

A boat in winter storage is not an object that you "park and forget". Especially when snowfall is forecast, boat owners should check their boat regularly. In concrete terms, this means travelling to the storage area after heavy snowfall and removing the snow from the tarpaulin.

The sooner this happens, the less weight is involved. Wet, frozen snow is not only more difficult to remove, but also puts a strain on the tarpaulin and frame for hours or days. The following applies when sweeping off: work carefully, use soft brooms and do not hit or press to avoid damaging the material.

Also check the trestle or trailer

Not only the tarpaulin and body are under load. Additional snow load has a permanent effect on the trestle or trailer. Boat owners should therefore check that the boat is still stable, that all supports are correctly aligned and that the ground has not given way, especially during thaw and frost changes.

Insurance aspect: take obligations seriously

Actively taking action after snowfall is not only a question of good care, but can also be relevant under insurance law. The so-called all-risk cover is sometimes misinterpreted. Yacht insurance policies almost always regulate so-called obligations, i.e. the policyholder's duties of care and co-operation. Exclusions may also be defined, for example that damage caused by "normal and non-sudden weather conditions" is not covered.

This means that the insured boat should be protected against foreseeable damage. Heavy snowfall is not considered an unforeseeable event if it has been announced. If damage occurs, insurers check whether reasonable measures have been taken, such as clearing the snow or checking the tarpaulin.

In addition, there is the obligation to minimise damage: if an owner recognises a danger, such as a massive snow load on the tarpaulin, and fails to act, this can lead to a reduction in benefits in the event of a claim.

Documentation creates security

Documentation is a simple but useful step. A photo after sweeping off the tarpaulin or a short note about inspections can help to prove that you have fulfilled your obligations in case of doubt. This is a particularly useful safeguard for longer winter storage periods.

Why a tarpaulin at all?

Owners can also think about whether a tarpaulin is necessary, not only with regard to a possible snow load. If work is to be carried out on deck and the tarpaulin acts as a roof, this may make sense. But also as mere protection against the weather?

The boat is exposed to the weather unprotected all season long, so why not in winter? Not using a tarpaulin at least reduces the wind pressure. Of course, the boat will shrink more, but it has to be cleaned in spring anyway.

Sometimes the reason given is better ventilation, for example because the forward hatch and part of the companionway bulkhead can be opened. However, if the tarpaulin flies off in a storm, the damage can be greater than if the boat had been parked tarp-less and barricaded.

The winter storage tarpaulin is therefore not a no-brainer, but rather a weighing up of the pros and cons that everyone has to make for themselves.

5 things boat owners should do after snowfall

• Check tarpaulin for sagging and tighten if necessary
• Remove snow promptly and gently from the tarpaulin
• Checking the trestle and trailer for stability
• Check chafe marks and vulnerable edges
• Document measures (photo or short note)