Cold-Weather Boating Advice

Just because winter is coming doesn’t mean you have to put your boat into storage. If you love winter fishing or cruising with friends and family, you can do it! Taking your boat out on the coast or to your favorite Virginia lake is perfectly possible if you take the time to prepare yourself for it. Here are our tips on how to safely boat in cold weather.

Layer Up in Warm Clothing

Your best strategy for staying warm in the cold is to layer your clothing. This way, you can always remove or add layers if you get warm or cold. Start with a layer of thermal underwear, then add your jeans, a lightweight sweater, and your jacket. Put on your life jacket and then top it with your overcoat. Wear thick wool socks in waterproof boots and a close-fitting knit cap with fingerless gloves to keep your extremities warm. It’s also a smart idea to pack some wool blankets for your passengers to use while they relax.

Pack Food & Drinks

A couple of thermoses of hot tea or coffee will warm you up immediately. You could even bring some soup! Make sure that you have bottled water and plenty of high-energy foods for you and your passengers since your body will burn more calories in order to keep you warm. Sandwiches, cheese and crackers, fresh fruit, and granola bars are good options.

Check the Forecast

Finally, you should always look at the forecast for the area in which you intend to boat so that you can ascertain whether it’s safe to venture out on any given day. You should avoid going out in very cold temperatures (significantly below freezing), or when there’s heavy fog, high winds, or storms on the forecast. Keep a radio with you on your boat so you can listen to the weather and make your way back to shore if things sound like they’re going to get worse.

Come see us at our dealership location in Bracey, VA, to take a look at our fantastic stock of new and used boats for sale. You can also check out our boutique or our bar & grill while you’re here! Poplar Pointe Marine serves our customers in the cities of Raleigh, NC, and Richmond, VA.