It can get surprisingly cold on a boat ride. The temperature may be mild, but it can get chilly once the boat hits higher speeds and the wind picks up. But you don't need to let the cold stop you from enjoying a voyage. We've gathered up the following tips for staying warm on a boat ride. If you want more advice or want to explore boats for sale, visit The Sports Center. Our dealership is based in Perry, Georgia, and we also proudly serve those in Macon and Columbus.

1. Wear The Right Clothes

Layers are the key. Each additional piece of clothing traps insulating air, which helps keep you warmer than simply wearing one bulky item.

  • The base layer should focus on wicking away sweat and other moisture. Synthetic or polypropylene long johns are a good bet.
  • Next is a light insulating layer. This adds some fabric without being too bulky. Consider a light fleece or thin wool sweater.
  • Then add a heavy insulating layer to add extra thickness and heat. Heavier fleece or wool works well.
  • The last layer should focus on blocking out cold air. A windproof jacket is a good choice, especially if it's breathable and water-resistant/waterproof.

All of these layers will help keep you cozy during your voyage. It's also easy to remove layers once you reach your destination, which will be warmer due to the reduced wind.

2. Get The Right Accessories

Your feet, hands, and face will get the most cold on a boat ride. For your feet, wear thicker socks. Just make sure they fit well inside your shoes. You don't want to suffer from cramped pinching feet during the boat ride!

For your hands, you'll want an accessory that doesn't interfere with your boat activities. If you are fishing, for example, you won't be able to tie a fishing lure while wearing mittens. Fingerless gloves add warmth to your palms, but allow you to easily use your fingers. Another option is convertible mittens/gloves. They can cover your fingers or be turned into a fingerless option.

For your head, get a hat that covers your ears. Consider a wool knit cap or a baseball cap with a fleece neck gaiter.

3. Add Insulation To Your Boat

Adding insulation to your boat's hull will help in a few ways. First, it will keep the cold air out. Second, it will keep the warm air in. Third, it will reduce the internal condensation, which helps keep the boat ride comfortable.

4. Get An Electric Heater For Your Boat

Portable electric heaters can be a great addition to your boat. They'll help passengers feel warm, especially those sitting in front of the heater.

But remember that portable electric heaters can be a fire hazard, so you'll need to be careful which model you buy. Find a heater that can stay stable and upright when your boat goes over waves. You'll also want a model that automatically turns off if it tips over.

5. Stock Your Boat With Blankets

Blankets are a simple, but effective, tool for staying warm on a boat. Wool is a great choice because it is water-resistant and insulating, but any blanket is better than no blanket.

We hope you found this guide useful! For more boating advice or to shop boats for sale, chat with the experts at The Sports Center. We can assist you with whatever you need, from answering questions to suggesting boat models. We proudly serve those in Macon and Columbus, GA.