Publication date: 09/10/2025
Checklist: what makes good winter storage in the Netherlands
To find suitable winter storage, you should first ask yourself what is important to you and what work you want to carry out on your boat during winter. Once that is clear, we recommend also paying attention to the following five points.
These 5 points make good winter storage
1. Protection & climate:
A good indoor space not only protects against rain but also against temperature fluctuations and condensation. Ventilation, air circulation, and dryness are crucial to avoid mould and corrosion. For outdoor storage, professional winterisation is essential to best prevent these issues.
2. Technical infrastructure:
Ideally, cranes, power connections, water supply, and, if necessary, disposal stations should be directly nearby. Particularly convenient: halls with sufficient height for standing masts or cranes with high lifting capacity, as well as covered areas at outdoor winter storage sites, providing alternatives for work that does not have to be done directly on the boat.
3. On-site maintenance service:
Some marinas offer full-service packages: engine maintenance, hull inspection, battery maintenance, or repair work – directly in winter storage. This saves time, effort, and unnecessary trips. Moreover, it is sensible to have professionals available for certain tasks.
4. Good accessibility:
Winter storage is of little use if it disappears into the fog of the province. Good connections to roads, parking spaces, and, if applicable, public transport make regular inspections or spontaneous work much easier.
5. Transparent communication & experience:
Having a German- or English-speaking contact person who communicates transparently and openly helps avoid misunderstandings. Being able to rely on an experienced marina team reduces worries. Both are true of many Dutch marinas. The comfort and service provided in Dutch marinas convince many boat owners.
Indoor or outdoor – briefly explained
Not every boat necessarily requires indoor storage. And not every outdoor storage site is the same. With good preparation, the right marina, and proper winterisation, both options can be a good and safe choice.
A very rough comparison:
| Criterion | Indoor winter storage | Outdoor winter storage |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Maximum protection from weather & climate | Robust boats with tarpaulin are well protected |
| Costs | Higher, but includes comfort & security | Cheaper, reliable with proper preparation |
| Service | Maintenance possible regardless of weather | Access usually more flexible, weather-dependent |
Indoor storage – how it works
Storage in a hall follows a clear procedure – especially when professionally supported. Here is a typical example from Flevo Marina Lelystad:
The steps at a glance
- Booking (ideally from May/June – indoor spaces are quickly booked up!)
- Arrange crane appointment
- Boat is craned and hull rinsed (included in the price at Flevo Marina)
- Winter preparation (engine, sanitary system, freshwater etc.)
- Interior cleaning possible with “FlevoClean” – ideal for starting the season effortlessly in spring
- Optional: rent safety equipment instead of buying – e.g. if rarely used
💡 Tip: Deko Marina Lelystad also offers a well-maintained hall with personal care – ideal for owners who do not wish to take on maintenance themselves.
Outdoor winter storage – how to secure your boat properly
Those who choose outdoor storage – for example at Lelystad Haven – should pay attention to these points:
Steps for safe outdoor winter storage
- Use a good cover – UV-resistant, custom-fit, and breathable
- Hull cleaning and inspection (included at Lelystad Haven, for example)
- Have engine and batteries properly winterised – offered in all three marinas
- Regular checks (e.g. by the harbour office in case of wind warnings)
- Optional: remove and store the mast separately (especially advisable in case of storm risk)
Why it is worthwhile to winter your boat in Holland
As already mentioned, winter storage is important for maintaining the value of your boat. That is why more and more German owners are deliberately choosing a location in the Netherlands. Flevo Marina in Lelystad, in particular, offers advantages that are often not found in Germany.
Proximity to Germany
Of course, winter storage is only ideal if it is easy to reach. From North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, or Hamburg, Lelystad can be reached within a few hours – without ferries and with well-developed motorways. On site, you can look forward to excellent service. This keeps your boat close enough for regular checks while being professionally cared for in a maritime centre.
Technical advantage
In Holland, boating is more than just a hobby – it is part of the culture. Accordingly, the level of service providers, workshops, and marinas is very high. Still, there are winter storage options for all needs. You do not have to be in the middle of the action – but you can, if you wish.
Flevo Marina stands out with:
- Own crane system with 40-tonne lifting capacity: benefit from quick and flexible lifting – also for larger yachts. Ideal for maintenance, refit, or secure winter storage.
- Heated indoor winter storage: protect your boat optimally – dry, safe, and at a constant temperature. This way, it remains in the best condition throughout the winter months.
- Cooperation with experienced specialists: rely on qualified local partners – for all work relating to electrics, hull, technology, or engine. At Flevo Marina, you will find everything a technically minded sailor could wish for.
- Short distances and clear processes: experience a smooth procedure – with direct contact with the harbour crew, transparent communication, and fast implementation of your requests.
The right timing: at Flevo Marina Lelystad, bookings for winter storage start early, around May/June, especially for indoor storage, which sells out quickly due to high demand. Be quick to secure your spot!
Deko Marina stands out with:
- Well-kept indoor winter storage with personal care: your boat remains dry, clean, and in a well-ventilated hall – ideal for those who value comfort and peace. The manageable size allows individual attention to each berth.
- Quiet environment without yard activity: perfect for owners who do not wish to overwinter in the middle of a busy boatyard. At Deko Marina, you enjoy a stylish and calm atmosphere – without compromising on safety.
- Additional services on request: from trailer storage to power supply to sail care – the marina offers a well-thought-out service package that can be flexibly extended. Mast storage is also easily possible.
- Modern infrastructure & e-charging stations: travelling sustainably? Thanks to e-charging stations and short distances to the city, you are also well catered for on land – practical for permanent berth holders and weekend users alike.
Lelystad Haven stands out with:
- Clear, well-organised outdoor winter storage with fair prices: ideal for families, long-term berth holders, or cost-conscious sailors. Boats are safely and neatly stored ashore – including crane service, hull cleaning, and power supply without hidden costs.
- Family atmosphere and personal contact: not an anonymous boatyard, but a harbour with heart. The harbour office is German-speaking, approachable, and knows many berth holders personally – creating trust and short paths for all matters.
- Good facilities despite outdoor storage: access to modern sanitary facilities, guarded parking, and Wi-Fi throughout the site – a real plus for many owners during winter months.
- Option for mast storage and trailer use: want to remain flexible? At Lelystad Haven, you can winter your boat on your own trailer or store masts separately – practical and straightforward.
Good value for money
Storage, care, maintenance, or comparable services often cost significantly more in Germany or are harder to obtain. At Flevo Marina, you receive fair prices with professional execution, including a transparent cost structure.
In short: those who want to preserve their boat in the long term make a comfortable, often cheaper, and technically sound decision with winter storage in the Netherlands.
These services Flevo Marina offers around winter storage
Winter storage is more than just a parking space – especially if you want to use the time to get your boat ready for the new season. At Flevo Marina, numerous additional services are available that you can book individually – conveniently and professionally implemented.
Battery maintenance & technical check
On request, the team ensures your batteries during winter are:
- Regularly checked and, if necessary, recharged
- Safely disconnected and stored dry
- Ready for use in spring without unpleasant surprises
Simple technical checks (e.g. electrics, chargers) can also be integrated into winter care.
Engine maintenance & frost protection
- Flushing of cooling circuits
- Oil and filter change
- Preservation of drive, saildrive, gearbox
- Replacement of sacrificial anodes if necessary
Especially with longer idle periods, professional engine maintenance is crucial to avoid starting problems in spring.
Rigging & sail service
Whether masts are laid down or stored standing – the marina team organises:
- Rigging inspections
- Dismantling and cleaning of sails
- Storage of covers, sprayhood, or bimini
Spring check & ready-to-sail service
Before the season starts again, Flevo Marina provides:
- Cleaning of deck or hull
- Inspection of through-hull fittings and ropes
- Water system check (e.g. frost damage)
- And, if desired: handover at the jetty, ready to sail
Conclusion: winterise smart – start stress-free
A good start to the season begins in autumn. Those who have their boat professionally winterised not only save themselves work in spring – but also avoid unnecessary costs from frost damage, battery problems, or corrosion.
Flevo Marina in Lelystad offers the perfect conditions for this:
- Modern infrastructure
- Experienced team
- Individually bookable services – and the choice between indoor and outdoor storage
Whether you want to do the work yourself or use the full service: your boat is not only safe here over winter – but in the best hands.
Mini FAQ: winter storage in Holland at Flevo Marina
When should I register my boat for winter storage?
Ideally between May and October. Indoor spaces in particular are limited and booked up early – those who plan ahead have a better choice of dates and options.
How much does winter storage at Flevo Marina cost?
Prices depend on boat length, type of storage (indoor or outdoor), and additional services. Storage starts from around €550 – exact quotes can be obtained directly from the harbour office. If you choose an annual berth including winter storage, you also benefit from the Port Adhoc loyalty programme. On the invoice for winter storage, the amount for the winter berth is offset! For a vessel 11 metres in length, this means a price advantage of €463.
Can I access my boat during winter?
Yes – access is possible by arrangement. The marina team is also regularly on site in winter and can carry out checks or interim inspections on request.
Will my boat be cleaned before storage?
Yes, on request. High-pressure cleaning of the hull and visual inspection before storage are bookable extras – especially recommended after the season.
What happens in spring?
The team will contact you in good time to arrange the launch date. On request, a spring check, technical inspection, and ready-to-sail handover are available.
We look forward to your enquiry and to finding the perfect berth for you!
