Boating is something many people associate with nice weather. However, it doesn’t have to be that way, because with the right preparation, care and tips, boating in winter is also excellent. If you want to make the most of this and keep your boat in the best possible condition, read our tips for boating in winter or boating in the cold.
Be prepared and don’t be surprised
Not sure if boating in the cold is wise, or do you want to avoid it? It all starts with logical thinking. Indeed, in many cases, the choice is yours. In some cases, sailing in winter may not always be avoidable. However, when you sail purely for pleasure, you are in control of when you do and do not sail. Therefore, always make sure you are well prepared. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and don’t be taken by surprise. If you don’t dare, don’t do it. When in doubt on the way: turn around.
Proper storage of your boat
Is boating in the cold something you’d rather not do at all, or don’t have a good winter boat? You keep your boat in good condition by storing it properly. In a dry, protected place with a good temperature. If you do not have this place yourself, consider renting a good storage place during the winter, for example a storage place at Nicolaas Witsen.
Consider good lighting
In winter, it gets dark earlier. Don’t let this take you by surprise. If you go boating in winter, always make sure your boat is well lit, as well as having extra lighting on board. Good visibility and good visibility are crucial to prevent damage. You may not know in advance how well lit, for example, the harbor where you will be mooring is. Make sure you do not encounter any unpleasant surprises.
Prepare your boat against cold
In many aspects, your boat suffers more in winter than in summer. This is largely caused by lower temperatures. Especially temperatures below freezing can create additional risks. In the form of floating ice, for example, but also in technical terms. In this blog you can read how to winterize your boat. This is not only important for when your boat goes into storage; you will also find tips on how to maintain your boat. Think of proper preparation of the engine, but also, for example, antifreeze.
Provide adequate fuel, gas and water
Sailing in the cold, always comes down to being well prepared. You may well consume more than usual in the cold. More fuel, gas and water, for example. Therefore, before departure, always make sure you have enough on board.
Prepare for on-board slipperiness
One of the most important tips for boating in winter, is proper preparation for slipperiness. Not only can it be slippery on the docks, you can also be surprised by slipperiness on board. Especially once you get on the water and temperatures drop toward or below zero, the parts of your boat that get damp can become treacherously slippery. An accident lurks in a small corner in this regard.
Always keep this in mind when moving about your boat and make sure you have a life line at all times.
Prepare not only your boat, but also yourself
One of the things that is still sometimes forgotten when it comes to tips for winter boating: it’s not just about your boat, but also about you. Winter boating not only demands more from your boat; you and other people on board can take it harder as well. Make sure you are always properly dressed.
Doesn’t it seem cold at first? Then make sure you do have appropriate clothing for the cold on board. This also applies to footwear.
In addition, make sure you have enough food and drink on board. Make sure there is adequate shelter and always check that the heating is working before departure. If your bood has no heating, take a radiant heater on board.
Take extra care with children, the elderly and animals
Unless you have a really good winter boat where everyone is comfortable at all times, it is advisable to be extra careful with children, the elderly, other vulnerable people and pets. They are especially susceptible to cold and associated risks.
