You will see plenty of boats out there on the water in summer. However, if you like sailing in winter, we know one problem that might bother you: staying warm!
Sure, the pleasant evening sail in June and August is a delight. However, when the chilly months arrive, strong winds and rain make a regular appearance, which can sour your boating experience.
When you are a boating enthusiast, the weather does not matter to you unless a storm is predicted. If you don’t have any winter sailing gear, that’s all right because there are many other ways to stay warm, which we are here to discuss.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some warming tips for winter boating:
Dress for the Weather
First and foremost, pick suitable clothing. Today, many advances have been made in sailing clothes. The latest include Foulies, which is called foul weather clothing. The material of this clothing is more breathable compared to other clothes, and it wicks away sweat. It also keeps the inner layers dry. Lastly, it’s waterproof.
Here’s a list of other clothing items you can look for in your closet for Winter Boating:
- Windproof outer garment
- Woolen cap
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Ski goggles
- Boots
Note: Do not wear cotton and refrain from wearing jeans and sweatshirts for inner layers.
Get a Heater
This one’s a no-brainer. However, you can only take an electric heater with you on a boat because the one that runs on gas or fuel risks fire. An electric heater will let you create an inviting and warm sanctuary on your boat.
Make sure to choose the right wiring and that the heater stays in its place in gentle waves. Nowadays, you can find smart heaters that close on their own if they tip over. Refrain from plugging two or more heaters in the same extension, as this can cause a short-circuit.
Keep Your Hands and Feet Warm
If you want to stay toasty and warm on your boat, you need to buy cold-weather accessories. These include gloves, mittens, socks, and a hat. Make sure the socks you are wearing are thick enough to keep your toes warm but don’t cramp your feet or limit circulation.
Wear woolen socks on top of thin socks. This combination will keep your feet dry. For extra protection, wear insulated boots. Buy a size bigger than your standard shoe size so that your feet do not feel uncomfortable.
Buy an Insulated Thermos
Also known as a vacuum-sealed thermos, it keeps your soup, coffee, and other beverages or food warm. Sipping on your favorite drink in cold weather will warm you to the core. It can be a little difficult to hold the thermos when wearing thick gloves. So, bring two pairs of gloves: One thin but made of insulation material that will allow you to hold things and eat, and the other for handling boating tasks.
If you are adamant about boating in winter, you need to be familiar with the symptom of hypothermia. If you feel tired, confused, shivering, lose mobility in your fingers, and start speaking slowly, radio the coast guard immediately. Tell him your coordinates so that they can get you in case you don’t make it.
In the meantime, stay dry, drink warm liquids, and cover your head.
If you are looking for quality floating docks for boats or do-it-yourself docks, visit EZ Dock. They offer residential, commercial, industrial docks, and other docking products. For more information, call on (800) 654-8168.
