Cover Story: Servicing your winch (and more) in time for spring

Servicing a winch and ensuring its smooth operation is not only good boat care, but also crucial to safety while on board and under sail. The professionals at Haven Harbour Yacht Services walk you through this important, and at times overlooked, maintenance task – in addition to other off-season services to consider.

"Servicing your winch during winter is a great way to extend the longevity of your equipment," said Rigging Foreman Jack Davis. "It may also be a good opportunity for one of our in-house rig specialists to inspect your running rigging."

Should you also consider having your windlass checked and anchor rode and chain inspected? These areas of a vessel face harsh elements all season long, and require a boater's attention – and our expert care.

"Allowing our seasoned team to perform these crucial maintenance items will only ensure for a safe and smooth boating season to come," added Director of Service Greta Sommers.

Other highly important items to turn over in your mind include the checking and servicing of seacocks and thru-hulls to detect and correct any hiding corrosion or valve issues. Removing growth and prepping folding props for spring coating are beneficial wintertime tasks (especially if zincs that require special ordering are needed), in addition to inspecting and lubricating your steering components.

Learn more at havenharbour.com/winter.

In the Media: Haven Harbour earns three-peat recognition

Marinas.com is the world’s most searchable marina directory, providing boaters with comprehensive intel on more than 75,000 marinas, anchorages and marine locations globally. The online entity, which was acquired by Dockwa in 2017, has been serving the marine industry's forays into the digital age since 1995.

Honoring the best of where bow meets berth, the platform gives recognition each year to marinas based on the quality of their Marinas.com profiles, their customer reviews and their overall review averages. To be given a Boaters' Choice award, marinas must receive more than three reviews in the calendar year of the given award, with all reviews in that time equating to an average rating of four stars or higher. To reach the "Elite Fleet" tier, marinas must receive more than 10 reviews in the calendar by the award's announcement, combined with a profile that yields an average reviewer rating of 4.7 stars or higher.

This year – for three consecutive years – Haven Harbour Marina on Swan Creek and Haven Harbour South on Rock Hall Harbor have been honored with "Elite Fleet" status and a Boaters' Choice Award, respectively.

Our rankings each and every year could not be made possible without our customers who took the time to examine their experiences with us, and provide helpful recommendations to their fellow boaters. We sincerely thank you for your participation and acknowledgment of our hard work and continued efforts.

View the complete list of this year's Boaters' Choice winners, or submit a review of Haven Harbour Marina and Haven Harbour South online at Marinas.com.

Thursday Evenings: Trivia Nights get going at Haven Harbour South

Ark & Dove Restaurant is delighted to host Trivia Night on Thursday evenings – all winter long – lasting from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in Haven Harbour South's upstairs Ark Atrium and Dove Lounge spaces.

Weekly trivia is open to the public, with exclusive food and beverage discounts available to participating guests. For more information, be sure to follow Ark & Dove Restaurant on Facebook.