Summertime is peak boating season for most, but there is no reason why you can’t enjoy boating through all the seasons. That is, unless the water is frozen solid. While you may not be able to do your usual summer activities like tubing or wakeboarding, many of the activities that you enjoy during the summer are still available to you during the colder months.
Winter Boating
Boating during the winter is much less crowded, so if you enjoy a particular area that is often crowded in the summer, the wintertime is a great time to cruise on through. Go sightseeing, enjoy your freedom of movement, and see the usually crowded area in a new light. You may even be able to pick up some more speed when there are fewer boats around. Winter fishing is another great option; just be sure to adapt your approach to the species inhabiting the cooler waters.
Winter Boat Upkeep
Should you keep your boat in the water during the winter? As long as you are willing to maintain it, why not? You will have more days to use your boat and can avoid the costs of winterizing and storing your vessel. During the winter, you will need to keep the battery charged when the motors aren’t charging it during use, since batteries drain quicker in cold weather. Check all drains, seacocks, windows, portholes, etc. to make sure plugs are in place and seals are in good shape. Water that leaks in can freeze and expand, causing damage. You may consider replacing the oil with a formula made for cold weather.
Winter Boating Safety
Winter boating safety is very similar to that of warm weather safety; watch ahead of you, manage your speed, and don’t fall overboard. Using a life jacket is always important, but even more so in the winter. If the water is cold enough, you can lose consciousness after just ten minutes. Watch for ice when you are on the water and look out for ice on decks, docks, mooring lines, and wires. Iced lines are prone to break and icy wires can present a shock hazard. Keep a phone or transponder with you in case of emergencies.
There is no reason why you can’t enjoy boating through the summer, fall, winter, and spring. Keep the previous tips in mind when taking your boat out on the water during the cold months.
Boat Lift Warehouse
Boat Lift Warehouse in Snow Hill, NC has been serving customers worldwide since 2004. We provide you with boat lifts, boat lift motors, parts, and accessories and we are dedicated to finding the right boat lift solution for you. Contact us today for all your boat lift and marine accessory needs.
