Cold-Weather Boating Tips: 5 Steps for Getting Out on the Water During the Cooler Months

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Every boater dreads it: The approach of winter and its accompanying colder temperatures. This year, beat the boating blues and don’t let a little cool weather dissuade you from taking your boat out. Provided your lake or local waterway isn’t frozen solid, these five easy steps will help you make the most of a cold-weather boating outing.

1) Dress Correct: Particularly if there’s limited interior space on your boat, keeping your body temperature at a comfortable level will be a key factor in how much you and your family enjoy a day spent on the water in chillier conditions. Layers are your friend—they’ll trap your body’s heat and keep you comfortable. But avoid 100 percent cotton garments, as they’ll draw heat away from the body. A classic layering of traditional thermal undergarments followed by a long-sleeved T-shirt, sweatshirt or sweater and topped off with a jacket is generally a can’t-miss combo.

2) Play It Safe: Colder temperatures bring a few additional safety considerations. Keep a careful eye on the weather, as cold rain or—oh, the horror—icy conditions are best avoided. Consider carrying a weather radio with you that features severe weather alerts. Also, pack dry clothing in a waterproof bag in case you do get wet, either from rain or accidental contact with the water. Finally, avoid boating alone and file a float plan with a friend or family member if you’re planning on a more ambitious excursion.

3) Wear Your Life Jacket: It’s always smart to wear a life jacket while boating, but it’s even more imperative that you and any passengers suit up when boating in cold-weather conditions, as hypothermia and shock can quickly set in if someone takes an inadvertent trip overboard. To put it in perspective, consider that the body loses heat 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air.

If you’re going to be doing a lot of colder-weather boating, you might want to consider a float coat (also called a flotation coat) which, as the name suggests, is an insulated coat that includes flotation. Although pricy, these coats can provide warmth and at the same time double as a life jacket that will float a person who falls in the water, while also providing some protection from hypothermia.

4) Slow It Down: During the summer, there’s nothing better than pushing that throttle forward and feeling the cool breeze rush past as you cruise along. But in cooler conditions, airing it out can result in less desirable results: shivering passengers, watery eyes, children huddled behind seats for protection from the elements. Some boaters suggest that drivers wear goggles during colder conditions, but I favor a simpler solution: Save the speed runs for the warmer months, and cruise at a more relaxed pace. After all, you’re probably spending most of your time cooped up inside if it’s cold out, so why not take the opportunity to relax and admire the scenery around you?

5) Beach It: One of the most enjoyable cool-weather boating activities is finding a quiet spot and either beaching your boat or dropping anchor. If it’s the former, hop ashore and have a cookout, using a portable stove or fire (if local regulations permit) to heat up soups, stews and similar hearty fare. Don’t forget to pack a few thermoses with your favorite hot drinks as well. Another fun cool-weather boating activity is geocaching, so fire up that GPS and let the treasure hunting begin.

Bottom line: With a bit of extra planning and the right approach, you can extend the boating season a little longer and enjoy a few extra days on the water. And who doesn’t want that?