Handy Tips for Cold-Weather Boating

Just because winter has set in here in Erie County doesn’t mean that you can’t still head out on the water if you really want to! Hunting, fishing and simply enjoying the quiescence of a marine winter wonderland are all great reasons to go boating during the winter months. However, you’ve got to be smart about it because of the danger presented by colder temperatures, less daylight and heavy precipitation.

Collins Marine in Tonawanda has been your Lake Erie boat dealer for over 30 years and we’re happy to help you enjoy boating in every season. To that end, here are some tips to keep you warm, dry and comfortable while practicing your winter boating, whether you’re fishing a local river or cruising a Great Lake.

1. Layer Up Your Clothing

Dressing for cold weather involves much more than just throwing an overcoat over your street clothes. Warmth is especially important when you’re going to be out on the water, as temperatures far from shore will be several degrees cooler than they are on land. You’ll also want to stay dry so you can stave off hypothermia and frostbite.

The best strategy to use is to layer your clothing so that you can easily add or remove layers as needed. Bein with a warm, wicking base layer made from polyester or wool, like long underwear. Add jeans or cargo pants and a light sweater over the top, then add a heavier fleece pullover or thicker sweater and finally a waterproof jacket, coat or poncho.

2. Don’t Forget Cold-Weather Accessories

You’ll also want to ensure that your extremities stay warm, as your feet and hands are more vulnerable to frostbite and you can lose a lot of heat from your head. Wear a warm wool cap that covers your ears, along with a neck gaiter or snugly-wrapped scarf to keep your head and neck cozy. Insulated gloves or convertible mittens will keep your hands warm, and thick wool socks in tall waterproof boots should insulate your feet.

3. Bring Snacks & Water

Keeping your energy up will also help you to stay warm when you’re boating during winter since your body will burn more calories trying to maintain your core temperature. Use a Thermos that can hold hot coffee, tea, soup or water and prevent them from freezing. Carry high-energy protein-filled snacks like jerky, cheese, nuts, granola bars, trail mix and crackers. Your body will thank you for keeping it fed and hydrated.

4. Invest in a Portable Heater

If you’ve got the space and sufficient power available to you on your boat, you can warm up your cabin with a small electric heater. Make sure to invest in a model that’s designed for marine usage, which generally means that it won’t tip over in choppy waters. A carbon monoxide detector is another important piece of gear to have when you’ve got a heater onboard.

5. Bring Extra Layers & Blankets

You’ll want to pack some extra dry clothing to add to your ensemble like more pairs of socks and more thin sweaters, just in case you get wet. Blankets are also a good way to keep you warm; they’re easy to pack, affordable and a simple solution. Try to get water-resistant wool or fleece blankets and make sure to wash them after each boating trip to prevent mildew.

We here at Collins Marine hope that these tips help you and your passengers to stay safe and warm while boating in cold weather. In search of the perfect new boat? Peruse our website to take a look at our wide selection of new and used boats for sale at our dealership in Tonawanda, NY. Collins Marine proudly serves the greater Buffalo metropolitan region as well as all our customers along the shores of Lake Erie here in New York.