Cabin heaters can keep you toasty in the cabin and warm up your next boat party even on the coldest of nights. Let’s have a look at some of the most common ways to remain warm on the water all winter long.
Marine air heater kits
Marine air heater kits will keep your boat warm and cozy. In most cases, marine-specific models are the superior choice to heat up your cabin. Stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant materials are often used in heaters developed for the nautical industry.
An automatic shutoff should be installed on the heater just in case the heater is tipped over. Some types are ignition-protected, which means they may be used in gas-powered boat engine rooms without any risk. When gasoline fumes are present, models lacking ignition protection certification should not be utilized. A great diesel boat heater with high-quality specifications like Espar is the best option for most boats.
Invest in insulation
Adding more layers of insulation is a good place to start when trying to warm up your cabin. It’s going to take some time to properly install, and you’re going to have to maintain it over time. Windows are often overlooked when it comes to insulating the cabin. To keep the heat in the boat, you may purchase reflective insulation for your windows. Before buying, check the material’s R-value rating.
The better a material does at retaining heat, the greater its R-value. Reflective insulation should be used to cover the whole window in order to provide enough thermal insulation. You’ll need to trim it to suit your windows. It may not be attractive to the eye, but it will keep you cozy.
Sail south
During the winter months, a great way to keep your sailboat warm is to go to warmer waters. For example, you may head to Florida. If you don’t like to sail in the cold, you should visit the south since it’s often more comfortable than the north throughout winter.
Electric heater
If you have a space heater in your house, an electric heater for a boat is just like it. As long as you strategically set an electric heater, you should be able to heat the whole cabin area very comfortably. The portability of electric heaters makes them an ideal choice for bringing along on a boat. Keep in mind that there are fire hazards associated with keeping a portable electric heater on overnight or when no one is available to keep an eye on it! The heater may topple if your boat is hit by a couple of large waves. Therefore, you should either secure the heater or find one that can automatically shut off if tipped.
Bring along some blankets
You don’t have to be at home to use blankets, throws, and flannel sheets. A decent wool blanket and a hot water bottle may seem boring, but they need no power and are extremely convenient. When underway or docked, you can be kept warm in the cabin by cuddling up in some heavy blankets or duvets. If you’ve been curled up in your boat blankets all summer, don’t expect them to smell great. So, make sure to wash your blankets before your next trip.
Bring suitable clothes
When you’re on a boat, the cold will be harder to handle, so make sure you’re dressed to the occasion. Begin by wearing wind-resistant outerwear. Don’t underestimate the power of skiing clothes! Fleece shirts and pants can be easily layered and they can keep you really warm. You may use a woolen hat, gloves, and scarf to keep your hands warm while being out on the deck.
If you’re going to be driving in the rain, you should get some rain gear and ski goggles to keep your eyes safe. It’s impossible to stay warm and dry only by wearing cotton sweatshirts and pants. Instead, opt for synthetic clothing that is both breathable and watertight, such as nylon. Finally, take more than one pair of shoes with you so you can have something to change into if you get wet.