Dinghy maintenance is important if you want to get as many years as possible out of your vessel. Whether you’re competing in a race or just taking your dinghy out to explore the water, you’ll want to make sure it’s in tip top shape. Here are five dinghy maintenance tips to get you started.
1. Varnishing
If you have a wooden dinghy, regularly varnishing it will help you maintain a flawless finish and keep your vessel looking as good as new. You should only varnish areas that aren’t painted, with a marine grade varnish offering UV protection.
The best time to varnish is in the summer, as it’s likely to dry quicker in the warmer weather and this way, you’ll be able to build up a couple of coats at a time. Be sure to make regular monthly inspections for any chips or cracks because once the water starts to penetrate your dinghy it will break down quite quickly. When it comes to quality varnishing, preparation is key.
2. Deck gear
It is essential that all moving parts are fully operational. Go through all of the blocks, cleats and other equipment and test that every part is working as it should. Also check ropes, lines and shrouds for signs of chafe and degradation. If a rope is rubbing then find out why before replacing and address the cause. For maintenance of your dinghy’s deck it's a good idea to consult the relevant manual for your specific vessel, which can often be found online.
3. Safety equipment
Maintaining your safety equipment is one of the most important things to do while owning a boat. As the dinghy owner, the safety of yourself and any crew members is entirely in your hands so you need to make sure that you’re regularly inspecting your safety equipment to check it’s all in good condition and within their expiry date period. Depending on the size and type of dinghy, you'll generally need to have the following equipment: a buoyancy aid for every passenger, a paddle, a towline, an emergency tool kit, a spare bungee cord, hand-held orange flares, a dayglo flag and a whistle or canister fog horn. Check it's all in good working condition before every trip.
4. Sails
Examine your sails every so often and check for any potential damage or pulled stitching. If you have laminate sails, make sure the film isn’t breaking down anywhere as this is a sign that the sail is beginning to reach the end of its life.
5. Budgeting for maintenance
It’s a good idea to set aside funds for the upkeep of your dinghy otherwise you might not be able to take to the water for a while should anything need repairing. Do some research and see, roughly, how long the various parts of your dinghy are expected to last and how often you should replace them. Regular maintenance will not only mean your dinghy will last longer, but it’ll also ensure that you’re safe on the water.
Storing your dinghy in spring/summer
An inevitable part of owning a dinghy is figuring out where to store it when you’re not traversing the high seas. You’ll want to keep it safe and secure, but you’ll also need to take into account the weather conditions, budget and convenience.
Here are our expert tips on how to store your dinghy throughout the year.
If you’re travelling with your dinghy on a larger vessel
Keep your dinghy lashed on deck in an inverted position. This is secure and reduces the risk of damage during transit. If your vessel is large enough to feature a dedicated dinghy deck, you can store it upright and cover with a canvas. You can keep any gear you need in it for an easy launch. You’ll just need to make sure you have the correct hardware in place, like a cradle secured to the deck.
If you’re travelling with your dinghy on a smaller vessel
You can still sail with your dinghy even if you don’t have room to store it on-board your other vessel. Towing your dinghy astern can be done, although it requires strict attention from the skipper and suitable hardware, including a chafe-protected, bridled towing haser. If you have a very light dinghy, you may want to add weight to avoid yawing or capsizing.
When your dinghy is not in use
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to store your dinghy during the spring and summer seasons is on a trailer, kept on your driveway or in a garage. It’s ideal for spontaneous trips and regular use in warm weather, as you can then take it out whenever you want. Make sure the sails are completely dry before putting them away for storage.
Storing your dinghy in autumn/winter
Keep it on a trailer
You’re unlikely to use your dinghy much during the colder seasons, so bear this in mind when choosing where to store it. Again, keeping it on a trailer is probably your cheapest option, but it’s only viable if you have enough room on your drive to keep it there indefinitely. You’ll also need to consider the weather and if a cover would provide enough protection from snow or ice.
Use a rack storage facility
Ideal for small dinghy boats, a rack storage facility is convenient without being too costly, but you potentially will have to budget more for having it there over winter. With multiple rack cradles within a covered shed, they offer a high level of security and peace-of-mind. If you want to use your boat, all you need to do is call ahead and they will safely retrieve your boat with a forklift.
Choose a marina
Often the most common choice, a marina provides optimum convenience but at a price. For a dinghy, it’s questionable whether the cost justifies the usage, as it is usually such a small vessel. Rates can vary massively between areas, so do some homework and check different locations for the cheapest option that works for you.
Specialist dinghy insurance through GJW Direct
As you spend a lot of time and money on keeping your dinghy looking and working at its best, you may want to consider getting specialist dinghy insurance. Specialist dinghy insurance through GJW Direct can help protect it should anything happen to it while you're out on the water.
Get a quote online today to see how much your cover could cost.
Get a quick quote for Boat Insurance
Get A Quote
