I lived aboard "Victoria" for 5 years full time in Rowayton, CT while
maintaining a "normal" life commuting to NYC. I did cover the boat during the
first winter aboard, but stopped doing that so I could sail whenever conditions
(no ice in the harbor or Long Island Sound; sun shining, reasonable wind
speeds) permitted. Sailing in the middle of the winter was always more
comfortable than sitting on a ski lift at Killington at zero degrees F.
I heated for a while with a Wallas kerosene heater which was mounted in the
engine room and used a coaxial vent to bring in outside air for combustion.
But it carboned up on a regular basis and was a real maintenance hog. I wound
up adding amperage to the dock and then heated electrically - a better solution
for me.
Condensation was a constant, but workable, problem. I showered at the "Y" each
night, relieving a big source of condensation and allowing me to swim a mile a
day; I have never been in as good shape since. I also cooked with a microwave
as much as possible to avoid the moisture caused by an open flame. I insulated
the hanging lockers which did away with the wet sleeves (and occassional ice)
on my suit jackets where they lay against the hull at night. Down insulated
slippers were wonderful! The only time I had real problems heating the boat
was when very low temperatures combined with high winds.
The water around the boat would always freeze during the height of the winter
season. Although we had bubblers, the shallow water made them ineffective
much of the time. Besides, as has been mentioned, they were used primary to
prevent having the pilings pulled out by the ice rather than protecting the
boats. I was in a calm estuary with no boat traffic, so moving ice was not an
issue. As long as the ice doesn't move, boats can freeze in without any
damage. Ice on the ramp and dock was a real hazard at times and great care was
necessary coming aboard with arms full of groceries.
I married while living aboard. We moved off when a baby was imminent and
wintering aboard was not suitable for a newborn. However we still spent most
of the summer aboard. I still have the same vessel (that baby is now in
graduate school) and recently found a package of diapers in a compartment.
Living aboard in the New England winter was a wonderful experienec experience
which, while not for the faint of heart, I highly recommend.
Alan Lewis
"Victoria"
Gulfstar 41 #160
Lying Kittery, ME
K1ALL
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