Winter is coming, but that doesn’t mean much for California in terms of snow and ice. In fact, some of the best times to boat on the West Coast are during the winter. Due to the California Pacific’s cold-weather climate, the marine life really comes out during the winter months, so that fishing or diving trip will be well worth it. On top of that, there’s going to be fewer boaters out on the water, making the waterways clear.
This blog is part of an ongoing series about winter boating and what the waters have to offer during these chillier months. To kick it off, we’d like to discuss some of the lesser-known or little-discussed benefits of boating during the winter, courtesy of My Boat Life.
Storing Your Boat Is Easier
If you live somewhere with a warmer climate, then you’re blessed to be able to boat year-round, and not have to worry about what to do with your boat during the winter. In other areas, winter boating is few and far between; even docking your boat at a marina during the winter can prove to be an issue, unless you’re in California. Since freezing isn’t a hazard in warmer climates like California’s, storing your boat is as easy as summer months.
No Off Seasons
Not only is storing your boat not an issue, but boating in general will never be a problem. In fact, you’ll be able to boat year round, meaning you’re going to make the most out of your vessel. To top it off, you won’t feel pressured to constantly go out before the season is up. That means if there’s an off day with the weather, you don’t have to go boating.
Winter Docking
The west coast isn’t completely absent from ice. For the parts that do, it’s important to find winter docking for the boat, as long as you have adequate docking, your boat is good to go for the winter season. Not every marina offers this type of docking because certain types of equipment are needed. The marina should offer bubblers and de-icers at the dock as well as snow removal on docks. And generally they’ll provide a mobile pump-out and water tank refilling service for you throughout the winter, since you won’t have access to the actual facility itself. Heating and cooling systems will also need to be winterized.
Whether your boat is docked for the winter or in use, make sure you have California Boat Insurance to protect it. Our next blog will discuss certain boat maintenance tasks you should take on this winter, so stay tuned for future updates.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (800) 992-4443 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
