
Winter is a sad time for most boat owners. For most captains, it marks the beginning of three months of no access to the water. However, there are some conditions where it makes sense to go on a winter voyage, and nearly every boat owner will need a strategy for winterising and storing their vessel.
So, what are the most important things to know about winter boating?
Can You Boat in the Winter?
First things first: can you actually boat in the winter successfully?
Although there are some caveats to this, the short answer is yes. Assuming your vessel is in good condition and you're prepared for the additional hazards and safety precautions necessary, you can absolutely enjoy your boat in winter.
Obviously, there may be some physical limitations in play. If all the bodies of water around you are completely frozen, you won't be able to take your vessel on the water. If there are hazardous conditions, you absolutely shouldn't be on the water. And if the winters in your area are particularly harsh, you may not find it to be a pleasant experience, even if it's technically possible.
That said, there are some interesting perks associated with enjoying your yacht in the winter:
- Changing scenery. Some people enjoy the changing scenery associated with winter. Autumn/fall always gets a lot of love because of the colourful leaves and mild temperatures, but there's much to enjoy about winter as well. Witnessing gentle falling snow and leafless trees on relatively still waters can be a truly majestic experience.
- Fewer crowds. Some yacht enthusiasts also enjoy the opportunity to cruise their favourite locations with far fewer crowds. You certainly don't have to worry about congestion on the slipway or packs of people scaring away fish. If you enjoy the private, isolated aspect of boating, this may be your favourite part of the year.
- Superior sightseeing and tranquillity. Arguably, winter is the best time to go sightseeing. Many locations offer discounts in the winter, there are fewer crowds to contend with, and winter generally carries a deeper sense of tranquillity.
- Different fish. If you're an angler, you may appreciate the new fishing opportunities associated with winter. You may be able to travel to different locations, fish using new techniques, or encounter different species of fish, depending on where you live.
Important Tips for Winter Boating
Of course, if you want to take full advantage of these interesting winter boating benefits, you'll need to compensate for the additional hazards and risks.
- Pay close attention to the weather. One of the most important strategies you can employ is closely monitoring the weather. Obviously, winter is going to be colder and probably windier than other months, so it's important to only venture out when you feel confident about the conditions. Even if you're generally tolerant of the cold, you should exercise extra caution to account for potential emergency situations.
- Plan much shorter trips. Every moment of exposure to the cold increases your risk, so it pays to plan much shorter trips. This may not be ideal, depending on how you like to plan boating trips, but it's going to keep you safer and more comfortable.
- Bring guests. Venturing out solo becomes significantly riskier in winter. Accordingly, you should aim to bring guests with you. Regardless of whether or not you bring guests, inform third parties about your plans so they can intervene if necessary.
- Document your float plan. Similarly, you should prepare a float plan for every journey you make. This will make your rescue much likelier if you find yourself in a predicament.
- Look out for unexpected hazards. In winter months, there may be extra hazards that are hard to see or prepare for. This is especially true if visibility is low or weather is bad. Maintain a higher level of vigilance to remain safe.
- Keep your battery charged. As with cars, boat batteries can suffer in the winter. Accordingly, you should test your battery regularly and keep it charged to the best of your ability. It's also not a bad idea to invest in a trickle charger or a solar panel so you can charge your battery when necessary on the fly.
- Monitor for condensation. Condensation is a major problem for boats, as it can cause mould growth and deteriorate certain aspects of your vessel. It's also a notorious problem in winter because of the sharp contrast between your relatively warm vessel and the cold exterior. Keep a close eye on condensation levels and do whatever you can to minimise them.
- De-ice your decks. Before walking onto your deck, pay attention to potential icy conditions – and preferably use de-icing agents to keep it clear.
- De-ice the docks. Similarly, you may want to de-ice the docks for safer walking.
- Dress for the weather. If you want to remain safe and comfortable when boating in winter, it's critically important to dress appropriately. You need to stay as warm and dry as possible, which means you should dress in layers and take extra layers in case of an emergency.
- Keep your sails, lines, and rigging dry. Water can damage elements of your vessel faster than you think, so make it a point to keep your sales, lines, and rigging as dry as possible. If any of these components feel moist or susceptible to condensation, consider taking them indoors to dry out before launching your vessel.
- Invest in a cabin heater. It may be a good idea to invest in a cabin heater, so you can have a safe, warm location away from the elements. Even a relatively small heating unit can make a big difference.
- Bring warm foods and drinks. Similarly, consider bringing along warm foods and drinks. A thermos of hot coffee can help you feel warmer, and extra snacks can keep your energy levels high.
- Know the signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia can set in quickly, so it's important to be able to recognise the early signs. Excessive shivering, pale skin, slurred speech, and tiredness are all warning signs you need to take seriously.
Doubling Down on Safety
It's also a good idea to double down on safety preparations you should already be making. In winter, everything becomes more dangerous; it only makes sense to increase your safety prep in response.
Pay especially close attention to the following:
- Anchor. Your anchor is in good, functional condition, so you can anchor your vessel successfully.
- Fire extinguisher. You should always have a working fire extinguisher onboard, but it's especially important if you're going to have a space heater running.
- Tow lines. Inspect your tow lines and make sure they're working properly.
- Signalling and communication. Double check all your signalling and communication methods to ensure you can reach someone in the event of an emergency. A VHF radio, a satellite phone, flares, and horns should keep you safe.
- Lifejackets. Everyone on your vessel needs to have a life jacket that properly fits them.
- Floatation devices. You may also want to have additional flotation devices to help people in the water.
Winterising Your Vessel
If you decide not to take your yacht on the water, or if you're done with your vessel for the season, you need to make an effort to winterise it.
- Read your owner’s manual. If you're not sure exactly what you need to do to winterise your specific vessel, read your owner’s manual. It probably contains all the information and instructions you need to properly care for your boat in winter. That said, we’ll outline some of the most important elements of general winterising below.
- Drain water systems. Water can be incredibly destructive to a boat in winter, in part because the ongoing cycle of freezing, thawing, and refreezing can cause expansion, contraction, and damage to critical components. It's also because water can cause mould growth and degradation. In any case, you need to drain all your water systems and keep your boat dry.
- Check the engine. This is a great opportunity to inspect your engine and correct any defects that might be present. Make sure the engine is in good operational condition before storing your boat.
- Add antifreeze. Antifreeze does a great job of preventing low temperatures from damaging your mechanical systems.
- Change the oil. It's usually a good idea to change the oil before winter sets in. It's a simple, inexpensive job that can keep your vessel in better condition.
- Stabilise your fuel. Without proper treatment, your fuel can degrade over the course of the winter, potentially causing damage or making it hard to start your vessel in spring. Fortunately, it's easy to treat fuel with a stabilising agent. It doesn't cost much and only takes a few minutes.
- Inspect for leaks. Remember that freezing and thawing cycles can be very destructive. If any water can seep into your vessel, it can do a lot of damage. Accordingly, it's a best practice to inspect for any leaks and close them up.
- Thoroughly check your drains, seacocks, and portholes. For similar reasons, you should thoroughly check your drains, seacocks, portholes, and anywhere else in your boat where water could emerge. If there are any seals that have eroded or become compromised, consider replacing them.
- Clean and dry the boat. If you want to keep your boat’s exterior in good shape throughout the season and set yourself up for a successful spring, you should thoroughly clean and dry your vessel before storing it. This is also a great idea to apply a coat of wax as an additional form of protection.
- Cover the boat. No matter where you plan on storing your boat, you should consider covering it. Even a rudimentary cover can protect it from the elements, protect it from degradation, and shield it from potential pests.
- Plan for pests. Speaking of pests, you should have a plan for how to prevent and manage them. There are many products that can help you with this, including repellents, traps, and more.
Storing Your Vessel
You'll also need a plan for how to store your vessel. There are several options available to you, each with different strengths and weaknesses. For example, you can store your boat in the water, store it outdoors, store it indoors, or even store it yourself. No matter what, you need to have a plan to control the humidity and keep the boat safe from the elements and external risks. For most people, the best option is to store the boat at a local marina or boatyard.
Making the Most of Winter
Finally, even if you're not on the water, you can try to make the most of your winter and prepare for next season.
- Look for new equipment. This is a great opportunity to look for new equipment, in part because many stores will offer sales during winter months. Make a list of everything you need for your vessel and make note of anything that might need replaced in the near future.
- Make plans and book reservations. You can also use winter as an opportunity to research new locations and potential activities to enjoy on your boat. You may also be able to score discounts if you make plans and book reservations this early.
- Check your registration. As winter begins to come to a close, double-check your registration and any licensing requirements that you'll need in the spring. If you take care of these matters early, you can hit the water as soon as temperatures rise.
Winter doesn't have to be a depressing time for boat owners. But if you live in an area with terrible weather and significant hazards, you might not have many options for utilising your vessel.
Accordingly, it's a perfect time to think about your current vessel, future vessels, and how your boating needs might change. If you're interested in selling a boat, buying a boat, or just looking around to see what’s out there, we can help.
List your boat for sale here or take a look at what we have to offer!