Blog · Guide · By Lenam Vela Ligera · Updated: September 2026

End-of-season sailing dinghy maintenance

Cleaning, sails, ropes, fittings and storage to make your boat last for years.

In short: After sailing, rinse with fresh water and let everything dry. At the end of the season, check ropes, shackles, centreboard and rudder, store the sails dry and out of the sun, and keep the boat covered and in the shade. Polyethylene boats need little more.

Topper polyethylene boats need very little maintenance, and fibreglass ones a bit more care. Either way, spending a little time at the end of the season avoids surprises when you're back on the water.

Cleaning

• Rinse the hull, sails, ropes and fittings with fresh water, especially if you sail at sea.
• Let everything dry fully before storing it.

Sails and ropes

• Store the sails dry, rolled or loosely folded without sharp creases, and out of the sun.
• Check the ropes and replace any that are worn.

Fittings, centreboard and rudder

• Check shackles, blocks and cleats, and that everything is well secured.
• Check the centreboard and rudder, and store them in their covers.

Storage

• Keep the boat covered and in the shade: constant direct sun is what ages materials the most.
• To move it on land, use the launching trolley instead of dragging it.

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