The quiet anchorages of autumn signal the end of the Mediterranean season, prompting deck crews to begin the meticulous routine of transatlantic yacht prep. Before the vessel joins a transport ship or crosses under its own keel, the stern equipment must be packed away safely. A thorough winter yacht charter water toys checklist ensures that your floating platforms, pools and docks arrive in perfect condition, ready for the Caribbean winter charter season.
- Rinse all salt, sand and marine debris from the drop-stitch fabric and surfaces using copious amounts of fresh water.
- Clean the top surfaces with a mild soap solution to remove any remaining sun lotion or seawater residue.
- Allow every item to air-dry completely in the sun, turning the platforms over to dry both sides thoroughly before folding.
- Open the valves and deflate platforms, pools and docks fully.
- Fold the equipment neatly on a clean surface free of sharp objects, avoiding overly tight creases.
- Store packed items in a dry space away from prolonged direct sunlight.
- Stow the electric air pumps securely in a dry locker and check their power cables for any signs of wear.
- Inspect the connection straps, loops and tubes, noting any missing accessories that need replacing before the winter season begins.
Cleaning your floating platforms and pools
Proper superyacht inflatable stowage begins with a thorough wash. Dockee platforms and docks spend long hours in direct sun and sea water, so removing salt crystals is essential before packing them away. Wash the materials with fresh water and a mild soap solution. Dockee platforms, such as the Premium Teak Platform 4.10 m, feature a teak-look surface. It is a teak look only, not real wood, so it needs no oiling or sanding to maintain its appearance. Simply give the surface a regular, gentle clean to keep it looking fresh. The Deluxe Water Pool 4.10 m and other large inflatables use 0.9 mm PVC combined with drop-stitch fabric. You should clear the integrated fine-mesh net of any floating debris it caught during the final charters of the year.
Deflation and superyacht inflatable stowage
Drying is perhaps the most critical step in yacht ocean crossing packing. Any moisture trapped inside the folded PVC can lead to mould during a long voyage in a warm hold. Once the gear is completely dry, you can begin deflation. A drop-stitch product features two layers of fabric joined by a dense array of internal threads, which makes it firm when inflated. To pack it efficiently, open the valves to release the air and let the product settle. This allows the product to fold flat, saving valuable space onboard. Make sure the valve is capped securely afterwards so that dust and dirt stay out of the internal structure while the yacht is under way.
Packing the tender garage water toys
Finding the right space for tender garage water toys requires care and planning. Fold the platforms and pools neatly on a clear deck, ensuring there are no sharp tools or rigging hardware nearby. Store the inflatables and their covers dry and out of direct sunlight. A dedicated shelf or locker protects the reinforced PVC from being crushed by heavy equipment or shifting loads during the Atlantic crossing. Keep the 230 V Air Pump 1200W safe and dry alongside the deflated items. The Premium Teak Platform series comes in 2.05, 4.10, 6.16 and 8.20 m lengths, each 205 cm wide. The larger models require adequate locker space, so reviewing their packed sizes in the product specifications helps the crew organise the storage layout effectively.
Final checks for transatlantic yacht prep
As part of your transatlantic yacht prep, inspect all the connections and mooring accessories. Check the AirLink Tube and its integrated straps to ensure they are in good order for the busy winter charter season ahead. If you need replacement parts or wish to adapt your setup, you can order them before the crossing. Dockee provides tailor-made options on request, with an individual quote for each project, covering specification, lead time and delivery. We offer worldwide, fully insured shipping, so new items can meet the yacht in Antigua or St Maarten. All products carry a warranty of two years from delivery. Returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery for unused items in their original packaging, although tailor-made products are excluded. Careful preparation now means the crew can set up the stern beach club with confidence as soon as the anchor drops in the Caribbean.
