Tips For Fun and Enjoyable Winter Boating
Winter boating offers a refreshing escape as anchorages are peaceful, marinas and park docks are often yours alone, there’s no wait at the fuel dock, and wildlife has a renewed presence in the quieter waters—it’s their season now!
After Labour Day, the number of boats on the water decreases, especially as we move through fall and winter. With fewer boats, marinas have plenty of guest moorage available, making it an ideal time for boaters looking to explore the off-season in solitude.
For a successful winter boating trip, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Winter boating requires you to ensure both you and your boat are ready, with all equipment in good working order. If you’re newer to boating, take some extra time to review charts, weather, navigation, harbor information, and electronic equipment, especially the radio, to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Preparation and Comfort Tips
1. Stay Warm and Cozy: Having a heat source is key to a comfortable winter boating experience, as it keeps the cabin warm and dry and makes outdoor activities more enjoyable. If your heat relies on shore power, plan ahead, as many marinas, fuel docks, and stores may have limited hours. Calling ahead ensures you won’t get caught without essentials.
2. Routine Maintenance: Complete all required maintenance and inspections before leaving the dock. Carry spare filters, belts, pumps, hoses, and hose clamps year-round for minor repairs. A breakdown is never fun, especially in winter, but with spare parts, you can handle minor issues with confidence.
3. Dress in Layers: Layering is essential for staying warm and dry. Fleece and wool retain heat even when damp, and waterproof outer layers are ideal. Bring long underwear, all-weather pants, waterproof jackets, wool socks, deck shoes, rubber boots, and warm gloves to be prepared for any winter conditions.
4. Ventilate the Cabin: Ventilation is especially important in winter, as high humidity and wet clothing bring moisture indoors. Cooking also adds humidity. To avoid steamed windows and potential mold, crack open hatches on opposite sides of the boat for airflow, and with a furnace running, you’ll stay warm and dry.
5. Anchor with Confidence: Winter anchoring requires good ground tackle. An oversized anchor and rode are excellent choices for peace of mind in windy conditions. Use forecasts, tide tables, and charts to find secure spots, deploy extra scope, and always have a backup anchoring location ready in case of a wind shift.
6. Create Comfortable Spaces: Winter boating brings everyone close together, so bring books, games, and puzzles to keep everyone entertained. It’s refreshing to step off the boat each day, even briefly, for a walk or paddle around the harbor, especially with kids on board.
7. Simple, Warming Meals: Keep menus simple with one-pot meals like stews, soups, pasta, and rice dishes that hit the spot on cool days. Java and cocoa are always a welcome treat in cooler weather.
8. Have a Backup Plan: Winter cruising is best enjoyed with a flexible schedule. Always have a Plan B with places to shelter during storms or to allow lay days for unexpected weather. If the weather cooperates, enjoy the extra days at favourite spots.
Winter Boating Benefits
Winter boating not only uplifts your spirit but is also good for your boat! Engines and pumps benefit from use, keeping everything running smoothly, and winter cruises prevent moisture buildup in tanks and fuel lines. A boat that runs through the winter is more likely to glide into spring without a hitch.
