Boating in Cold Weather

The weather might be colder but that doesn’t mean you have to put your boat away! Plenty of anglers and other boating enthusiasts enjoy heading to the lake or river in the winter to enjoy the colder season. But cold weather can be problematic. How do you stay warm during your adventure? After all, staying comfortable is going to play a huge role in ensuring you have a good time while on the craft.

Fortunately for you, Mark’s Leisure Time Marine has gathered some of the best and most useful cold weather boating tips for you to follow! Keep reading to find out how you can stay nice and cozy on your vessel. If you’re looking for boats for sale, contact our staff at our Conesus or Canandaigua, New York locations. Proudly serving Rochester, we are here to help with all of your marine needs!

Layer Your Clothing

Layering your clothing is an important part of staying warm in any kind of cold weather situation, but especially on a boat. Each layer will trap insulating air and keep you cozy. However, you don’t want to just throw on any combination of clothes. You’ll want to be strategic when it comes to your closet.

Your base layer should be made of wicking material. This will keep sweat and other forms of moisture from sticking to your skin. Consider a pair of synthetic or polypropylene long johns for this layer. Next, you will need a light insulating layer. This could be a light fleece or thin wool. The next layer should be a heavy insulating layer. Put on a heavier fleece or wool. Lastly, your outer layer should block out the cold air as much as possible, such as a windproof jacket.

This kind of layering strategy is going to do more than just keep you warm. It also makes it much easier to adjust when you reach your destination. For example, maybe it’s less windy, so you don’t need as many layers. You’ll be able to easily remove a layer or two so you can be comfortable no matter what the conditions are.

Cold Weather Accessories

So you have your layers. Now what? You’ve covered your body, but now it’s time to address your feet, hands, and face. These will get cold the fastest, so you should have some cold weather accessories to keep you warm. Get some socks that are thick enough to keep you warm, but not so thick that your feet start cramping from limited circulation.

Gloves and mittens aren’t always ideal for operating a craft and participating in boating activities. This doesn’t mean your hands need to freeze! Find a nice pair of fingerless gloves to keep your palms warm, or get a pair of lightweight gloves that fully cover your fingers. Another option is convertible mittens or gloves that can switch from fingerless to full coverage.

Insulation

Your house uses insulation to keep you warm, and so can your boat. Consider insulating your vessel’s cabin to keep cold air out and warm air in. This will also help decrease the internal condensation.

Electric Heater

A portable electric heater is also a great cold weather boating accessory! You can sit in front of it on those particularly cold days. You should find one that is stable enough to stay upright in gentle waves. It should also turn off if it tips over. Always review your wiring before you plug anything in to prevent an electrical short. You should also pick up a carbon monoxide detector since this can be a threat with portable heaters.

Blankets

As simple as it may sound, thick blankets can keep you warm and cozy while boating in the cold weather. Wrap yourself up when you need that extra layer of warmth. We suggest wool blankets, but make sure they aren’t musty and there are no signs of mildew.

We hope these tips will help you stay warm on your next cold weather boating adventure! If you have any questions, reach us at Mark’s Leisure Time Marine. We are proud to serve Rochester, and have locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, New York. Do you need a new vessel? Looking for any marine advice? All you need to do is give us a call!