Brrr… It’s getting cold in Chesapeake Country. Let’s all weather the chilly winter water and air conditions this season with a few basic strategies to ensure we are in fine form come spring. Whether going out on your boat or simply checking on it in its winter slip, keep these cold weather boating safety tips in mind.
For some common-sense advice, we checked in with local boater and photographer David Sites, who has lots of cold-water boating experience. As this issue went to print, Sites had been on the water every day of 2023 and 2024.
Sites says, “My main suggestion to boaters on the water during the winter or any severe conditions would be to have a MOD (Man Overboard Device) installed on their boat. The device works in conjunction with a wristwatch type device that will shut your engines down should you fall overboard. It also works like a manual remote shut off switch for the engines. This would hopefully give them a chance to get back on the boat if they fell overboard.”
“I wear a Mustang Survival, work-type, floatation suit. This suit is what the crew members working on the decks on ships wear in case they fall overboard. I always wear my PFD also. Although I think that every boat should have a VHF radio, I believe it’s even more important in the winter. I’m often surprised at how many boats don’t have one.”
“Finally, I also make sure that my bilge is dry every time I go out below freezing. If you have water/ice in your bilge, there’s a good chance that your bilge pump will not operate properly.”
For boaters whose boats are on the hard, don’t forget to check on your vessels regularly. When you do, keep in mind that docks can become slippery well before the first snowfall. A light coating of frost is sometimes all it takes to lose your footing, so tread lightly. In fact, when it is cold, it’s not a bad idea to wear your PFD when walking the docks, even if you don’t plan to board your boat.
For boats in the water and uncovered, when you visit, you’ll want to check that the bilge pump is operating properly. For any boat that is covered, whether in the water or not, make sure water isn’t pooling on the boat’s tarp or shrinkwrap, cockpit, and other exposed areas.
At this time of year there is often chatter about leaving a boat unwinterized for a day or two when the air temperature drops below freezing. Here you must assess your own risk tolerance. Yes, there will be times when the air temperature briefly dips below freezing, but the relatively warmer water will insulate your hull enough that you can squeeze by without winterization of systems, but this is a fine line to walk, and you’ll need to know what the water temperature is where your vessel is. You’re the one who has to sleep at night, so if you’re risk-adverse, winterize now.
Finally, if you’re responsible for a dock or pier, consider a deicer with a thermostat and a timer. While nothing is ‘set it and forget it,’ this is pretty close.
For more winter safe boating advice, visit boatus.org.