Winterising tips for
new RIB owners

By Ben Sutcliffe-Davies Marine Surveyor

A covered boat on a trailer, parked for the season, showcases proper RIB winterising on a snowy driveway by the hedge.

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Congratulations on purchasing your first RIB! Hopefully you had a lot of fun with it this year.

With Storms Amy and Benjamin recently causing damage around the coast, it’s clear that the season of unpredictable weather is upon us. Taking a little time now to give your RIB some TLC, and carry out a few essential winterising tasks, will pay dividends when it’s time to get back out on the water next year, saving you both time and money.

This guide draws on expert advice from Ben Sutcliffe-Davies, Marine Surveyor, who, with over 45 years’ experience in the marine industry specialising in boatbuilding and marine surveying, knows a thing or two about winterising boats! Whether you’re keeping your RIB on your driveway this winter, a marina drystack, or somewhere else, here are our top tips for making it through the winter months unscathed.

Hull and tubes

Give your RIB a thorough freshwater wash-down, paying attention to removing all salt and grime.
Inspect the hull for cracks, chips, or osmosis blisters, and repair any damage promptly, or make a note to repair in the spring.
Check the tubes carefully for signs of wear, UV damage, or chafing around rubbing points.
If possible, partially deflate the tubes slightly and loosen tie-down straps to prevent deformation during long-term storage.

Covers

Fit a snug, breathable cover that won’t chafe against the tubes, preferably one that has been specially designed for your RIB.
Avoid using plastic tarpaulins that trap moisture and encourage mould and mildew.
Ensure all covers are securely fastened, especially if storms are predicted.
If your RIB is stored outside, check the cover regularly through winter to make sure it hasn’t loosened or torn.

Drains

Clear deck drains regularly to prevent standing water.
Remove bungs to allow rainwater to escape; essential if stored outside.
Make sure you angle your RIB slightly so water flows towards the drains.

Outboard engine

Flush cooling systems with fresh water.
Drain or stabilise fuel and disconnect fuel line.
Drain and replace gearbox oil and fog cylinders with corrosion spray.
Grease prop shafts and moving joints.
Fully charge battery before disconnecting and removing from your RIB. Store in a dry, temperature controlled area.
Don’t forget to label fuel lines and cables to make life easier when reconnecting in the spring.

A covered boat with RIB Insurance sits on a snowy driveway in a residential outdoor area during winter.

Upholstery and accessories

Remove cushions, lifejackets and electronics, and store in a dry location.
Leave lockers slightly open to improve ventilation.

Trailer

Check trailer tyres, bearings, and lights for wear.
Grease wheel hubs and winch gears.
Store bow slightly raised for rain drainage.

General

Inspect straps and fastenings regularly through winter.
Take special care when choosing where to store your RIB. Choose a safe location, well away from potential falling branches or other debris.
If storing in a marina drystack, make sure you confirm what, if any, winterising procedures they carry out.

Insurance

Always check your insurance policy for any specific winter storage requirements.
Some insurers require approved outboard and trailer locks.
Keep a photo of your RIB when you’ve winterized it, as well as any receipts for locks and other equipment, in a safe place in case you ever need to make a claim.

Once your RIB is cleaned, covered, and the engine winterized, you can take a well earned rest and start writing your wish list for 2026 RIB trips!

Many thanks to Ben Sutcliffe-Davies for his help with putting this article together. More helpful advice can be found on his YouTube channel.

Smiling older man with short gray hair and glasses stands by a canal, discussing RIB Winterising among boats and greenery.

About Ben Sutcliffe-Davies

With over 45 years experience in the marine industry, including boat building in timber, GRP, steel and aluminium, Ben has a huge breadth of reliable knowledge of yachts, motor cruisers, narrowboats and many other types of craft. Ben is a full member of the Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA). He is on the international register of qualified Marine surveyors and is also a full member of the British Marine Federation and Canal Boat builders Association. You can also find articles written by Ben on various subjects in a lot of the major boating publications.

You can find out more about Ben and find his contact details by clicking here.

To find out more about the YDSA click here.