Staying Warm On Your Boat

Here in the Deep South, frigid temperatures and frozen precipitation aren’t really a concern we have. However, when you go out onto the water, the temperatures grow significantly colder the further away from shore you go. And if you plan to go boating in more northern climates, then you’ll definitely encounter some of that wet and chilly weather we don’t experience down here near the gulf. So it’s important that you know how to stay warm and keep your passengers warm to prevent hypothermia from setting in.

H&W Marine Powersports in Shreveport, Louisiana, is your local boat dealer, so here are our best tips for keeping yourself and your passengers warm and cozy on your boating excursions into the gulf this winter.

Layer Up Your Clothing

The easiest way to stay warm, especially on a boat with no enclosure or cabin of any kind to shelter you, is to bundle yourself up in warm clothing. You may think that tossing on a heavy overcoat is the solution, but this isn’t very practical and it’s difficult to move around in. Plus, you may still get cold anyway.

Layering is a better strategy, as it allows you to add or remove layers as needed for your comfort. You can start with some thermal underwear or leggings and a long-sleeved shirt, then add jeans or corduroys, a sweater and a fleece pullover. A waterproof and windproof jacket on the outside will help keep you dry. Bring a few thin sweaters to add on as needed. Wool and polyester are the best fabrics, since cotton can grow damp and heavy and make you colder.

Accessorize

Top off your outfit with cold-weather accessories like fingerless insulated gloves, a thin wool cap with earflaps, a close-fitting cowl or gaiter, thick wool socks and waterproof boots. You can bring additional accessories in case these get wet, too.

Invest In a Heater

If your boat has a power supply, you can invest in a marine-friendly electric heater to warm up the cabin. There are models that are designed to withstand choppy waters and shut down if they do tip over to prevent a fire hazard. You’ll want to make sure your boat is capable of handling the voltage and that you have both a fire extinguisher and a carbon monoxide monitor on your craft for safety.

Bring Blankets

Of course, a very low-tech solution to stay warm is to carry some blankets on board your boat. Wool or fleece are water-repellent fabrics that are very insulating and cozy. You can toss a blanket over your lap while fishing, bundle up the kids in a throw or drape an afghan over your shoulders while conversing with your family and friends. Keep your blankets in a dry storage container until you need them, and make sure that you launder and dry them on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of mold or mildew and musty odor.

Keep it Brief

It may be that you simply cannot stay out long if the weather seems too brisk. If you can’t get warm and feel yourself getting numb despite your best efforts, it can be better to simply head back to shore rather than trying to tough it out. This is of especial importance if you’re traveling with kids, who are much more likely to get cold more quickly, especially if it’s wet out.

These tips should help you and your passengers to stay cozy on your boat even when it’s chilly outside. Still don’t have the perfect sea-faring vessel? Come down to our Shreveport location today to take a look at our current stock of new and used boats for sale. H&W Marine Powersports proudly serves the cities of Bossier City, LA, and Longview, TX.