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Author Topic:   Keeping Warm on a Whaler

68 WhaleR posted 10-16-2008 03:41 PM ET (US)
Hey, what do you guys do to keep warm on chilly nights?
Just wondering as I would love to keep going out on my whaler in the winter her in North Carolina. Our winters are mild compaired to the northen folks that have started to put there boats up already.
Thanks
Erick

Casco Bay Outrage posted 10-16-2008 04:12 PM ET (US)
Long underwear for a start is easy and makes a big difference.
Light waterproof or neoprene gloves are good keeping your hands warm when the wheel is cold.
Wearing a zipped up rain jacket and pants (PDF worn inside) helps stop the heat loss at speed.

Artic 180's (ear muffs) are good for the ears.
Wool socks for feet.
My winter preference is the above plus a Carhartt Insulated worksuit instead of the raingear. Good to 10 F.
Buckda posted 10-16-2008 04:26 PM ET (US)
Companions. Girls.
If none are to be found, then: Canvas and Clothing are the #1 solutions. Mills Canvas is expensive, but provides a high degree of wind protection, which is perhaps the single biggest factor in your comfort when boating in cool water/air.
When even that is not enough, you can break out the propane heaters....but those are for stillwater fishing and slow going....and should only be used when wearing your entire wardrobe (at once) isn't enough.
There are also chemical hand and boot warmers that are popular with skiers and ice fishermen that are nice to have in your pockets or gloves.
I recommend SealSkinz gloves (waterproof) to keep your hands dry and warm.
In your climate, you shouln't need much more than that.
If you can't afford the canvas, your most important gear are basic Ski wear (for warmth and wind protection) and some inexpensive ski-goggles for face/eye protection. YOu'll be amazed the difference that makes.
Good luck.
Dave
Brian7son posted 10-16-2008 04:47 PM ET (US)
Hhhhmmmmmmm... let me think. Here in Florida, sometimes it gets so cold that I put on a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt. :)
Seriously though, if it's cold and windy, a polar fleece pull over with a wind breaker on top.
Fishmore posted 10-16-2008 04:56 PM ET (US)
Here in Northern CA I wear Long underwear (Hot chillys kinda like under armour) are much better than the old cotton style. A light sweater and jeans Grundens bib pants and a Mustang float coat. Oh don't forget a warm hat and neopreme gloves. (although I usually take off the gloves to fish) wool socks and rubber boots.
SJUAE posted 10-16-2008 04:59 PM ET (US)
Here in UAE I once spotted someone caught in the rain but I have never seen anyone wearing jeans in a boat :)
However
When I use to boat in the UK we always wore light weight flotation/survival suits for both warmth and safety in the winter months
Rgds
Steve
jeffs22outrage posted 10-16-2008 05:08 PM ET (US)
North Carolina, cold.....?

Hat, gloves, thermal underware, and a hot coffee....They go a long way.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/DSCF1216.jpg?t=1224190726
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/IMG_8706.jpg

Like Dave said canvas goes a long way. These images were from a mid November outing we had here on the St Clair River. Dave is the one with canvas, he and Jimh stayed warm. My father and I just survived. Air temps were about 40 degrees F with 15 - 20 mph winds out of the Southeast.

Warm,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/IMG_8689.jpg?t=1224191105
Cold,
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/DSCF1226.jpg?t=1224191134
20dauntless posted 10-16-2008 05:10 PM ET (US)
The key is to block the wind, either with a Mills (or equivalent) canvas set or clothing. I do a lot of backpacking and skiing so have a ton of gear for this kind of stuff. I personally prefer to layer...start with a long underwear layer, then a fleece or other insulator depending on temperature, then a shell that is wind and waterproof.
You can do this on the top and bottom and add or remove layers as necessary to stay comfortable. A hat and gloves with something like Gore Wind-Stopper will serve you well.
mateobosch posted 10-16-2008 05:14 PM ET (US)
I almost always keep the following items aboard: a Gortex jacket and pants, baclava, (a windproof ski mask) Gortex gloves, Gortex hat, and clear lens ski goggles for the cold wind/rain.
The single best thing I carry aboard is my poncho liner, a light weight and very warm blanket available at military surplus stores. This is a must have IMO.
MDI posted 10-16-2008 08:57 PM ET (US)
I have found the best way to keep warm during the winter here in the northwest is to install a Wabasto Diesel Forced Air Furnace. This takes the chill right outta the air and allows you to dress like you're in Florida.... well... maybe not Florida... but maybe southern Oregon.
Mark
68 WhaleR posted 10-16-2008 09:30 PM ET (US)
Wow lots or replys! thanks! I might not be able to talk the wife to go out when it is chilly but I can take my kid or kids who ever wants to brave it! Yea I know North Carolina does not get that cold and heck even the local lake, Blews Lake has a power plant that puts out some great heat on the water! It actually steams up when the air gets cold. The water is almost like a bath around the discharge area.
With the 13ft whaler keeping dry is the main thing and blocking the wind like you all sugested.
Although a diesel heater and full bubble canvas would be pretty funny on my tiny boat! LOL!
thanks
Erick
bruser posted 10-16-2008 09:31 PM ET (US)
Be careful as you load up on clothing that the PFD you WILL wear will keep you boyant with all the extra bulk. I have pulled fishermen from a local river that fell overboard, one had a PFD on the other did not but the result was the same. We dove for the bodies for 4 days before they were found.
high sierra posted 10-16-2008 09:53 PM ET (US)
Hi,since I fish out of my Whaler when it's quite cold, I resort to Arctic type gear. I wear a Gerbing electric jacket (outstanding) that is plugged into my console when it's below 30 and wear a N3B military coat or my Cabela's Guidewear coat over it. Another type of jacket that I wear when no power is available is a Northern Outfitters jacket with the N3B over it. This is the gear that's worn on the Iditarod, as seen right now on Discovery. A backup coat is a Eddie Bauer long coat made for the pipeline workers in Alaska . This combined with the Northern outfitters jacket is quite warm. Pants are lined goretex Cabela's . My boating in the winter usually grinds to a halt when the fuel lines won't bend and things crack as they are used. Hope I never get old. (I'm 69) high sierra
20dauntless posted 10-16-2008 10:04 PM ET (US)
Mark, the Webasto idea is good on a larger boat, but I doubt it would work well on a 13;) I have a Wallas heater/stove on the C-Dory and it works great, keeps the inside nice and toasty and runs for 20 hours on a gallon of diesel.
bluewaterpirate posted 10-16-2008 10:05 PM ET (US)
We fish for bluefin tuna in December & January off Cape Lookout. We've fished in 35 degree weather before but most of the time in the 40's to 60's. We're on the waterand fishing about an hour before sunrise. It can be along cold day. My wife has got it figured out. She ........ while I drive and try to find the fish.

http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/images/ 4892322_2856073_49843725_WebSmall_3/ Image-4892322-49843725-2-WebSmall_0_36e89fa74906fc86d9cf88eaac672a59_1
Cheryl likes to be warm and toastie as she puts it!
Tom
bluewaterpirate posted 10-16-2008 10:13 PM ET (US)
Sorry ... let me try the picture again.
http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/images/ 4892322_2856073_49843725_WebSmall_3/ Image-4892322-49843725-2-WebSmall_0_36e89fa74906fc86d9cf88eaac672a59_1
cgodfrey posted 10-16-2008 11:42 PM ET (US)
Layers.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_56.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_54.jpg
And oh yeah, 4 wheel drive highly recommended if you're trailering.
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_47.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_48.jpg
CG
chopbuster posted 10-17-2008 12:49 AM ET (US)
Babes n' Baileys of course !
A union suit will only get in the way of the festivities.
It's election time so I thought I would throw a little humor in the mix.
SJUAE posted 10-17-2008 01:18 AM ET (US)
bruser makes a good point if the worse happens with all those extra layers on.
Be warm, dry and safe IMO
eg:
http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/Flotation_and_Buoyancy.html
http://www.sailgb.com/c/flotation_suits/
Regards
Steve
Hoosier posted 10-17-2008 09:53 AM ET (US)
I've found that using an automotive steering wheel wrap makes a huge difference in keeping my hands warm.
68 WhaleR posted 10-17-2008 10:41 AM ET (US)
Great sugestions all! Nice discussion!
Nice to know the flotation suits are really not that expensive, I was thinking it would be more.
CG nice photos of your boat, glad to see another small Whaler out in the winter time.
later
Erick
OIA posted 10-17-2008 12:31 PM ET (US)
I always tell crewmates to dress like you're going snow skiing. I can always take a layer off but once I get cold it's very difficult to get warm again. So I make sure I stay warm from the get go. Ski cap, gloves are a must. Also, a neopreme ski vest buckled snugly is safe, comfortable and incredibly warm.
Good luck, have fun.
John
Tohsgib posted 10-17-2008 02:26 PM ET (US)
Move south!
Actually a wetsuit(shorty) is very warm underneath and provides a ton of safety if you happen to get wet.
pglein posted 10-17-2008 07:20 PM ET (US)
The single best way to avoid wind chill is to drive slower.
jimh posted 10-17-2008 09:00 PM ET (US)
Get a canvas weather protection system. Call Wm. J. Mills & Co. in Greenport, New York for more information.
gss036 posted 10-17-2008 09:35 PM ET (US)
I wear a Mustang work suit, same as the CoastGuard has. In the Black/Orange,warm dry and built in floation chamber. Works great.

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Author	Topic: Keeping Warm on a Whaler
68 WhaleR	posted 10-16-2008 03:41 PM ET (US) Hey, what do you guys do to keep warm on chilly nights? Just wondering as I would love to keep going out on my whaler in the winter her in North Carolina. Our winters are mild compaired to the northen folks that have started to put there boats up already. Thanks Erick
Casco Bay Outrage	posted 10-16-2008 04:12 PM ET (US) Long underwear for a start is easy and makes a big difference. Light waterproof or neoprene gloves are good keeping your hands warm when the wheel is cold. Wearing a zipped up rain jacket and pants (PDF worn inside) helps stop the heat loss at speed. Artic 180's (ear muffs) are good for the ears. Wool socks for feet. My winter preference is the above plus a Carhartt Insulated worksuit instead of the raingear. Good to 10 F.
Buckda	posted 10-16-2008 04:26 PM ET (US) Companions. Girls. If none are to be found, then: Canvas and Clothing are the #1 solutions. Mills Canvas is expensive, but provides a high degree of wind protection, which is perhaps the single biggest factor in your comfort when boating in cool water/air. When even that is not enough, you can break out the propane heaters....but those are for stillwater fishing and slow going....and should only be used when wearing your entire wardrobe (at once) isn't enough. There are also chemical hand and boot warmers that are popular with skiers and ice fishermen that are nice to have in your pockets or gloves. I recommend SealSkinz gloves (waterproof) to keep your hands dry and warm. In your climate, you shouln't need much more than that. If you can't afford the canvas, your most important gear are basic Ski wear (for warmth and wind protection) and some inexpensive ski-goggles for face/eye protection. YOu'll be amazed the difference that makes. Good luck. Dave
Brian7son	posted 10-16-2008 04:47 PM ET (US) Hhhhmmmmmmm... let me think. Here in Florida, sometimes it gets so cold that I put on a pair of jeans and a long sleeve shirt. :) Seriously though, if it's cold and windy, a polar fleece pull over with a wind breaker on top.
Fishmore	posted 10-16-2008 04:56 PM ET (US) Here in Northern CA I wear Long underwear (Hot chillys kinda like under armour) are much better than the old cotton style. A light sweater and jeans Grundens bib pants and a Mustang float coat. Oh don't forget a warm hat and neopreme gloves. (although I usually take off the gloves to fish) wool socks and rubber boots.
SJUAE	posted 10-16-2008 04:59 PM ET (US) Here in UAE I once spotted someone caught in the rain but I have never seen anyone wearing jeans in a boat :) However When I use to boat in the UK we always wore light weight flotation/survival suits for both warmth and safety in the winter months Rgds Steve
jeffs22outrage	posted 10-16-2008 05:08 PM ET (US) North Carolina, cold.....? Hat, gloves, thermal underware, and a hot coffee....They go a long way. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/DSCF1216.jpg?t=1224190726 http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/IMG_8706.jpg Like Dave said canvas goes a long way. These images were from a mid November outing we had here on the St Clair River. Dave is the one with canvas, he and Jimh stayed warm. My father and I just survived. Air temps were about 40 degrees F with 15 - 20 mph winds out of the Southeast. Warm, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/IMG_8689.jpg?t=1224191105 Cold, http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/jeff_rohlfing/ End%20of%20season%2006/DSCF1226.jpg?t=1224191134
20dauntless	posted 10-16-2008 05:10 PM ET (US) The key is to block the wind, either with a Mills (or equivalent) canvas set or clothing. I do a lot of backpacking and skiing so have a ton of gear for this kind of stuff. I personally prefer to layer...start with a long underwear layer, then a fleece or other insulator depending on temperature, then a shell that is wind and waterproof. You can do this on the top and bottom and add or remove layers as necessary to stay comfortable. A hat and gloves with something like Gore Wind-Stopper will serve you well.
mateobosch	posted 10-16-2008 05:14 PM ET (US) I almost always keep the following items aboard: a Gortex jacket and pants, baclava, (a windproof ski mask) Gortex gloves, Gortex hat, and clear lens ski goggles for the cold wind/rain. The single best thing I carry aboard is my poncho liner, a light weight and very warm blanket available at military surplus stores. This is a must have IMO.
MDI	posted 10-16-2008 08:57 PM ET (US) I have found the best way to keep warm during the winter here in the northwest is to install a Wabasto Diesel Forced Air Furnace. This takes the chill right outta the air and allows you to dress like you're in Florida.... well... maybe not Florida... but maybe southern Oregon. Mark
68 WhaleR	posted 10-16-2008 09:30 PM ET (US) Wow lots or replys! thanks! I might not be able to talk the wife to go out when it is chilly but I can take my kid or kids who ever wants to brave it! Yea I know North Carolina does not get that cold and heck even the local lake, Blews Lake has a power plant that puts out some great heat on the water! It actually steams up when the air gets cold. The water is almost like a bath around the discharge area. With the 13ft whaler keeping dry is the main thing and blocking the wind like you all sugested. Although a diesel heater and full bubble canvas would be pretty funny on my tiny boat! LOL! thanks Erick
bruser	posted 10-16-2008 09:31 PM ET (US) Be careful as you load up on clothing that the PFD you WILL wear will keep you boyant with all the extra bulk. I have pulled fishermen from a local river that fell overboard, one had a PFD on the other did not but the result was the same. We dove for the bodies for 4 days before they were found.
high sierra	posted 10-16-2008 09:53 PM ET (US) Hi,since I fish out of my Whaler when it's quite cold, I resort to Arctic type gear. I wear a Gerbing electric jacket (outstanding) that is plugged into my console when it's below 30 and wear a N3B military coat or my Cabela's Guidewear coat over it. Another type of jacket that I wear when no power is available is a Northern Outfitters jacket with the N3B over it. This is the gear that's worn on the Iditarod, as seen right now on Discovery. A backup coat is a Eddie Bauer long coat made for the pipeline workers in Alaska . This combined with the Northern outfitters jacket is quite warm. Pants are lined goretex Cabela's . My boating in the winter usually grinds to a halt when the fuel lines won't bend and things crack as they are used. Hope I never get old. (I'm 69) high sierra
20dauntless	posted 10-16-2008 10:04 PM ET (US) Mark, the Webasto idea is good on a larger boat, but I doubt it would work well on a 13;) I have a Wallas heater/stove on the C-Dory and it works great, keeps the inside nice and toasty and runs for 20 hours on a gallon of diesel.
bluewaterpirate	posted 10-16-2008 10:05 PM ET (US) We fish for bluefin tuna in December & January off Cape Lookout. We've fished in 35 degree weather before but most of the time in the 40's to 60's. We're on the waterand fishing about an hour before sunrise. It can be along cold day. My wife has got it figured out. She ........ while I drive and try to find the fish. http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/images/ 4892322_2856073_49843725_WebSmall_3/ Image-4892322-49843725-2-WebSmall_0_36e89fa74906fc86d9cf88eaac672a59_1 Cheryl likes to be warm and toastie as she puts it! Tom
bluewaterpirate	posted 10-16-2008 10:13 PM ET (US) Sorry ... let me try the picture again. http://cdn-2-service.phanfare.com/images/ 4892322_2856073_49843725_WebSmall_3/ Image-4892322-49843725-2-WebSmall_0_36e89fa74906fc86d9cf88eaac672a59_1
cgodfrey	posted 10-16-2008 11:42 PM ET (US) Layers. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_56.jpg http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_54.jpg And oh yeah, 4 wheel drive highly recommended if you're trailering. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_47.jpg http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa121/cgodfrey19/000_48.jpg CG
chopbuster	posted 10-17-2008 12:49 AM ET (US) Babes n' Baileys of course ! A union suit will only get in the way of the festivities. It's election time so I thought I would throw a little humor in the mix.
SJUAE	posted 10-17-2008 01:18 AM ET (US) bruser makes a good point if the worse happens with all those extra layers on. Be warm, dry and safe IMO eg: http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/Flotation_and_Buoyancy.html http://www.sailgb.com/c/flotation_suits/ Regards Steve
Hoosier	posted 10-17-2008 09:53 AM ET (US) I've found that using an automotive steering wheel wrap makes a huge difference in keeping my hands warm.
68 WhaleR	posted 10-17-2008 10:41 AM ET (US) Great sugestions all! Nice discussion! Nice to know the flotation suits are really not that expensive, I was thinking it would be more. CG nice photos of your boat, glad to see another small Whaler out in the winter time. later Erick
OIA	posted 10-17-2008 12:31 PM ET (US) I always tell crewmates to dress like you're going snow skiing. I can always take a layer off but once I get cold it's very difficult to get warm again. So I make sure I stay warm from the get go. Ski cap, gloves are a must. Also, a neopreme ski vest buckled snugly is safe, comfortable and incredibly warm. Good luck, have fun. John
Tohsgib	posted 10-17-2008 02:26 PM ET (US) Move south! Actually a wetsuit(shorty) is very warm underneath and provides a ton of safety if you happen to get wet.
pglein	posted 10-17-2008 07:20 PM ET (US) The single best way to avoid wind chill is to drive slower.
jimh	posted 10-17-2008 09:00 PM ET (US) Get a canvas weather protection system. Call Wm. J. Mills & Co. in Greenport, New York for more information.
gss036	posted 10-17-2008 09:35 PM ET (US) I wear a Mustang work suit, same as the CoastGuard has. In the Black/Orange,warm dry and built in floation chamber. Works great.