This winter is starting out as abnormally chilly as last year.  But, before you abandon ship completely in the cooler temps ahead, consider the advantages of winter boating in Florida. 

First, on many days you’ll have the water to yourself.  Rarely do tight channels get congested with traffic as they do in the summer months.  There will usually be plenty of dockspace available at restaurants, bars, and waterfront hotels.  And, your favorite fishing holes are less likely to be taken.

If you’re not a fisherman, there are plenty of sights to see that you won’t find in other seasons. Along the shores of freshwater lakes, rivers and streams look for reptiles like alligators, turtles, and snakes soaking up the sunshine. Florida’s winters are blessed with an abundance of sunny days and these critters take advantage of that situation to warm their bodies in plain view. Gorgeous migratory birds and waterfowl make an appearance on freshwater lakes and salty bays as they escape harsh conditions to the north. Manatees congregate in mass around the warm-water outflow of power plants. Also, December is an excellent time to slowly cruise canals in urban areas to check out all the backyard holiday decorations.

Of course, on many days you’ll have to bundle up to stay warm. Start with high-tech, polypropylene long-underwear. In addition to keeping you toasty, this type of clothing wicks moisture away from your skin better than conventional long-underwear. Make sure to wear clothing made from “crinkly” fibers as outerwear. This includes wool, fleece, and polyester. The fibers create air pockets that are warmed by body heat to create decent insulation. Don’t wear jeans. Denim does a poor job of holding the heat. If you’re a skier, bring along your ski mask, hat and goggles. They may come in handy.

If your boat has no cabin, go slow while underway. Higher speeds produce a wind chill that can make the ride miserable after just a few seconds. In the winter, there’s less need to rush anyway. Chances are no one’s going to snag your fishing spot or claim your slip. And, usually you’re not going to have to race a thunderstorm back to the ramp.

We’ve already seen temperatures dip below freezing in many parts of the state. In these conditions you should take the time to winterize your boat if it’s exposed to the elements. Water left in an engine or lower unit can freeze and crack a block or housing causing hundreds of dollars in repair bills. BoatUS.com has a great page with step by step instructions on how to prepare your boat for winter. Here’s the link: http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/37.htm

One last tip – bring plenty of hot chocolate along. It tastes much better in January than July.