Winter doesn’t truly begin until December 21st but much of the country is already feeling those cold temperatures and in some places snow is already on the ground. While there are plenty of outdoor activities you can do in the winter, such as skiing and snowboarding, it’s also possible to enjoy your boat!
Many boaters use the cold weather to perform maintenance on their vessels. The winter season is a great time to do engine work, major detailing and interior rebuilding. If you don’t have a large enough space to perform the work yourself, or prefer to outsource the work, ask your marina for quotes or recommendations on where to have the work completed.
The winter is also a great time to brush-up on safety courses and renew any certifications that have lapsed or are up for renewal. Use these few months to attend boat shows and read up on industry news.
If you are near a lake or river that isn’t frozen over (or an ocean) go fishing! But before you do, be sure to do some research on what equipment to use, how to keep safe and warm and how to read weather patterns. We recommend reading Fix.com’s winter fishing guide before taking the boat and rods out for a spin. Knowing what you’re going to catch-and what you are allowed to catch is good to know. Your state’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or Department of Natural Resources will be able to provide you with that information. Just perform a quick Google search!
Are you located in an area where the winter season is the best time to watch whales? Take the boat out for a few hours and see if you can spot one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures! Or simply take the boat on the water and enjoy a beautiful, even if brisk, day.
Images and sources: Thinkstock, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Fix.com, Travel Channel
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