Fall and winter boating comes with both it's challenges as well as it's delights. With some planning, it can be arguably more fun than boating in the summer. Prepare yourself for the change in seasons with our Fall and Winter boating tips.
Positive Aspects of Fall and Winter Boating
The fun stuff...boating can be fun with the changing of seasons. While most people love boating and hitting the beaches to swim in the heat of the summer, the change of seasons has an allure to it as well.
- Enjoy the scenery - Between the golden marsh grass and occasional marine layer of mysterious fog rolling through, this time of year can provide some beautiful views of the waterway you don't normally see especially around sunrise and sunset. On the flip side, a cool crisp cloudless bluebird day in November can also be amazing. Migratory birds are also on the move right now so break out the binoculars.
- Wide open waterways - With the lack of tourists and summer beach goers, the boat ramps, docks, and waterway in general are going to be far less crowded. Marinas may have lower rates, and chances are port town restaurants and shops will be less crowded too.
- Winter fishing is on fire - In southeastern NC the trout, flounder and redfish bite is hot and will continue to be super productive for several months as water temps stay relatively warm. Offshore spots will also continue to be productive as the Gulf Stream stays relatively close as well. Freshwater spots however can also be plentiful with things like bass and catfish if you live up river.
Important Winter Boating Tips
Planning, preparation, and a little bit of maintenance can go a long way to enjoying winter boating. Read through our list of winter boating advice to make the most this season.
Usage
- Safety First - Cold weather boating safety is not too different from other seasons: manage your speed, keep your eyes ahead, don’t let anyone fall overboard, wear your PFD, and keep your kill switch connected . Keep a lookout and watch out for things in the water, particularly ice in colder months, as large chunks can lurk just below the surface of the water. Also keep an eye out for ice on docks, decks, mooring lines and wires, as this makes things that much harder to work with. Carry a radio with you in case of emergency.
- Wear Your Life Jacket - The water doesn't have to be "freezing" in order to cause shock and hypothermia. 60 degree water can have a quick dramatic affect on your body if you fall overboard, affecting your body's ability to function. Cold water can cause you shortness of breath, affect heart rate and cause muscles to contract and stop working. Wearing your life jacket can save your life if you or someone else falls in, keeping you afloat, even after the cold water has shocked you and prevented you from being able to swim.
- Dress for the Weather - Even if the average highs in your area remain in the upper 50s or even mid-60s, be mindful that as the sun goes down, so do temperatures—quickly. If you are running, or the wind is blowing, you will lose heat even more quickly. Wear layers, and take along warm extra items and blankets. They're essential if you get wet. Even if it feels ridiculous to board your boat with a heavy winter jacket, balaclava, gloves, lots of extra layers, and heavy blankets to boot, you can never be too safe. It’s better to have some extra layers to bundle up with if things take a turn than be stranded out on the water, freezing! It may also make sense to invest in survival wear if you plan to boat year-round on a regular basis, while sailing, or if you are boating with just yourself and a partner. Things like a float coat or survival suit could make the difference in saving your life under dire circumstances!
- Bring food - Cold days can sap the energy out of you and nobody likes to get hangry, especially out on the water where there's no food to be found. Bring snacks that will last the whole voyage – a good snack can help with potential motion sickness or seasickness if the weather turns and things get rough. Both of these ailments are all the more common in cold, windy, choppier water conditions that frequently occur during the winter months.
- Check the engine - Before the cold weather arrives, check the engine and inspect the boat for leaks. If you aren't going to be using your boat, go ahead and winterize it to protect fluids from freezing and cracking components of your engine and hoses. This includes adding stabilizer to fuel.
- Change the oil - Change the oil and oil filter to prevent buildup in the fuel.
- Charge the battery - A boat battery can self-discharge by 5% per month during normal conditions. Cold temperatures mean battery performance suffers, so double-check the charges before and after each trip. This includes your navigation and communications electronics. Keep a battery charger or jump box on board during the winter.
Storage
If you decide to pull your boat early there are a number of things to consider. If you plan on storing your boat for a cold winter slumber there are a number of things you can do. For the sake of simplicity, here are just a few easy things you can do.
- Disconnect the battery - If you know you're not going to use your boat at all, go ahead and disconnect the battery to prevent the power from dissipating and killing it.
- Clean and wax the boat - Wash and wax the boat before storing it for the winter to make it easier to clean in the spring.
- Cover the boat - A cover protects the boat from precipitation seeping into small parts of your boat which when freezing and thawing, can cause cracks, mildew, and leaks.
- Add a fuel stabilizer - Drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh and prevent it from breaking down. Condensation from changing temperatures and humidity can cause moisture to accumulate and in case you didn't know...fuel and water don't go well together!
Take all necessary precautions and preparations to ensure an awesome time out on the water this season. Keep your eye on the weather forecast as well so you don't get caught in a bad situation. If you have any other questions or concerns, always feel to
reach out to our dedicated Wells Marine Insurance team to keep your self covered on the water!