Pros and cons: Does the boat have to be taken out of the water in winter?

Lars Bolle puts the boat ashore for the winter

​A boat belongs on land in winter. It’s generally safer there than in the water. For me, there are two main reasons: for one thing, I have less to worry about. If it’s in the water, the season doesn’t really end in my mind. Then, whenever there’s a strong gust of wind, the question arises: is everything all right on board? Above all, are the mooring lines and fenders secure, and is the boat safely moored? The harbour is virtually empty; hardly anyone drops by to check that everything’s still secure, and, not least, break-ins are easier due to the isolation and long hours of darkness. And what about when it freezes? Will I have to go and chip away at the ice or something like that? If in doubt, I’d drive down to the harbour regularly to check. On land, however, the boat is safely stowed away for the time being. And secondly, winter storage isn’t just a place to store the boat, but also a workshop. Work on the hull, propulsion systems, fittings or interior tasks can usually be carried out there more easily. Tools and materials can stay on the boat, and I don’t have to plan every little job down to the last detail beforehand. So for me, it’s clear: on the water in summer, in the hall in winter.

Ursula Meer is leaving her boat in the water over the winter

​A boat is allowed to overwinter in the water. In my sheltered home port on the North Sea, this is standard practice. Naturally, this involves preparations such as antifreeze, plenty of mooring lines and fenders. If there is an exceptionally severe frost or gale, there is always someone from the winter community on hand to check that everything is in order and to keep everyone else informed via a messaging group. In any case, a boat that can bob freely in a storm is usually subjected to less stress than one that’s being jolted about on a storage block. After all, indoor storage spaces are expensive and scarce. Staying in the water, on the other hand, saves a lot of money, which can then be invested directly back into the boat. The hull and underwater section are specifically hoisted out of the water for a few warm days in early summer – so I can work without feeling the chill of draughts. All other jobs are much easier to carry out when I simply step onto the boat from the jetty, rather than having to climb up and down a ladder with tools. And then there are those moments: spending the night on board, sitting in the sun in the cockpit with a steaming cup of coffee and gazing out at the water – priceless, especially in winter.

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Further pros and cons:

• ​Boating holidays – is the peak season really the only option?
• ​Heading south despite the summer heat?
• ​Are electric outboard motors the better choice?
• ​Are outboard motors also a good option for large boats?