Why Winter Is Hard on a Small Dinghy

Winter in the UK is a testing time for any boat, but small dinghies feel it most. Left on a mooring, in a garden, or on a trailer, they face months of salt spray, driving rain, frost, and damp air. Water collects in the bilges and under covers. Ice expands in tiny cracks. Metal fittings that were fine in August begin to show white powder or rust stains by January. The good news is that a small dinghy is easy to look after. A few hours of careful preparation now will save you money, time, and frustration when the first calm day of spring arrives.

Clean and Dry the Hull First

Everything begins with a thorough clean. Dirt, salt, and organic growth hold moisture against the hull and speed up damage. Start by removing the outboard, oars, rowlocks, and any loose gear. Take the dinghy out of the water if you can, and give it a gentle rinse with fresh water. Use a mild soap and a soft brush — never a pressure washer on an inflatable, and never harsh detergents on any surface.

• Pay attention to the waterline, under the rubbing strake, and inside buoyancy tanks or lockers.
• Remove the drain plug and tilt the hull so every drop can escape.
• Dry the hull with clean cloths, then leave it to air in a well-ventilated spot.
• For GRP hulls, apply a coat of marine wax once dry. For wooden dinghies, check varnish and touch up any bare patches. For inflatables, use a specialist cleaner and dry thoroughly before storing.

Trapped moisture is the enemy. If you store a damp dinghy under a cover, you are effectively creating a small greenhouse for mould and corrosion.

Check Fittings for Corrosion and Wear

Small fittings do big jobs, and they are often the first things to fail. Work your way around the dinghy with a torch and a critical eye. Stainless steel can suffer crevice corrosion in salt water, especially where it meets aluminium or wood. Look for pitting, white powder, rust streaks, or loose fastenings.

• Inspect shackles, cleats, rowlocks, bow eyes, and the painter. Replace any that are bent, cracked, or badly worn.
• Check bolts and screws through the transom and gunwales. Tighten gently — over-tightening can crush the material.
• Apply a waterproof grease or lanolin to metal threads and moving parts. This simple step keeps corrosion at bay.
• Examine ropes for chafe, stiffness, and UV damage. A frayed painter can snap in a winter gale.
• If the dinghy lives on a trailer, check the wheel bearings, tyres, lights, and jockey wheel. Grease the bearings and store the trailer with the weight off the tyres if possible.

Any fitting that feels rough or looks suspect should be replaced now. A two-pound shackle is cheaper than a lost dinghy.

Store Under Cover — But Let It Breathe

A good cover is essential, but the wrong cover can do more harm than good. Plastic tarps that trap condensation will encourage mould and corrosion. Choose a breathable cover that lets damp air escape while keeping rain out. If you use a tarp, leave gaps at the ends for air to circulate.

• Support the cover with a ridge or hoops so rain cannot pool on top. A sagging cover becomes a heavy water bag that can damage the hull or fittings.
• Store the dinghy upside down on trestles if you have space. This sheds water naturally and protects the interior.
• If upside down is not possible, leave the drain plug out and tilt the hull slightly. Never store with water sitting inside.
• For inflatables, store lightly inflated rather than fully deflated. Sharp folds can crack the fabric over time. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from mice.
• Elevate the dinghy off cold concrete or wet ground. A couple of wooden blocks will do.

Ventilation is the key. Even a breathable cover needs air to move underneath. Check the cover after storms and adjust it if it has shifted.

A Simple Winter Inspection Routine

Once the dinghy is tucked away, do not forget about it until spring. A monthly walk-around takes fifteen minutes and catches small problems before they become costly. Choose a dry day, remove the cover, and have a proper look.

• Check for water ingress inside the hull or under the cover. Empty and dry any puddles.
• Look at the fittings again. A little white powder on aluminium can be cleaned and greased. Left alone, it becomes pitting.
• Run your hand along the hull and rub strake. Feel for cracks, soft spots, or blisters.
• Pump up an inflatable to the recommended pressure if it has lost air, then check again in a week.
• After severe storms or frost, inspect the cover, ropes, and trailer. Ice can cut lines and crack plastic parts.

Keep a small notebook with dates and notes. It is surprisingly useful to remember when you last greased the rowlocks or touched up the varnish. A little attention through the darkest months means your dinghy will be ready to launch the moment the weather turns. Come spring, you will be glad you did.