The nights are drawing in, temperatures are dropping and Christmas decorations have started to appear in shops… the summer season is over and winter is truly setting in. Although our charters have slowed down, the work never stops, as our ops team are straight into winter refits of our fleet.
It’s crucial to ensure that our vessels are in the best condition for next summer for everyone to enjoy.
– Cleaning and Inspection.
We start by giving the Ribs a thorough clean to remove all salt and debris that has been accumulated during the season. This allows us to inspect the vessel highlighting and addressing any wear and tear that may have been accumulated.
– Tube Maintenance
Rib tubes are the main impact point when a gust decides to knock you off course when mooring. We thoroughly inspect every section for any punctures and leaks. If needed, we repair these using a professional provider that specialise in Ribs and in dire circumstances we replace the entire tube. Once completed, we make sure the tubes are properly inflated and coated with a UV protectant to prevent any sun damage throughout the season.
– Engine care
The engine is the heart of Rib and could be the costliest, so proper care is essential. We take the opportunity to have an all over check, to ensure the prop and skeg are in working order. We closely keep an eye on the manufacturer’s recommendations when changing the oil and fuel filters, to ensure we are keeping to the correct standard and not damaging the engine or the environment.
– Electronics and wiring
Water and electronics do not go hand in hand! During the colder months, we inspect every wire and check that connections are secure and free from corrosion. This also includes all instruments, lights, and navigation systems.
Winter maintenance is a key component of Rib ownership. Spending the time and effort making sure the vessel is in tip top condition during the colder months, not only increases the longevity of the vessel, but allows you to hit the water as soon as the sun breaks through!
We are passionate about providing a seamless boating experience and proper winter maintenance is a crucial part of achieving this goal. If you are interested in experiencing our exceptionally well looked after Ribs, please contact us via admin@solentribcharter.co.uk or call us on 01590 607101.
