Decommissioning for Summer / Hurricane Storage

Six months on the hard waiting for hurricane season to pass takes preparation. Cruisers who lay up in Trinidad, Grenada, Florida, or Mexico develop a checklist that prevents the worst surprises on return. The cost of doing it wrong shows up six months later in mildew, dead batteries, and corroded fittings.

Engine and fuel

Run engine to operating temperature, then change oil and filter
Replace primary and secondary fuel filters with fresh
Top up fuel tanks (full tanks resist condensation)
Add fuel stabilizer and biocide
Drain raw water from heat exchanger if freezing risk; else top up coolant
Remove impeller (or replace with fresh and document for next season)
Cover air intake

Water systems

Drain water tanks completely
Pickle watermaker per manufacturer instructions
Empty hot water heater
Pump out holding tank; flush
Drain head and lines
Pour antifreeze through plumbing (if freezing risk)

Electrical

Disconnect main battery negative or use isolator switch
If solar charging maintained: confirm controller continues to top up
Remove portable electronics
Disconnect shore power
Cover all electronics with desiccant bags nearby

Interior

Strip beds; store linens with desiccants
Open lockers slightly (ventilation)
Remove all perishable food
Place desiccants (DampRid, Silica gel) throughout cabin
Solar fans in hatches if possible
Cover companionway and main hatch with sun protection
Cover instruments and bright work with UV protection

Exterior

Lines off the boat (or properly chafed and tensioned)
Sails off if storing on hardstand (UV destroys sails fast)
Cover dodger and bimini with sun protection
Pad-eye and remove anything that could catch wind
If hurricane-zone storage: tie-down systems verified

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

2–4 days of focused work for a thorough decom.

Solar charging while away?

Worth it. Keeps batteries alive and runs ventilation.

Sails on or off?

Off if hardstand. UV degrades fast on sun-exposed sails.

Insurance?

Some policies require specific decom for hurricane storage. Verify.

Boat watcher?

Essential. Monthly visual check at minimum.