sailing in cold weather

[Peter Mueller]

12th Nov. 2008, my first entry.
I am Peter, retired.
I want to sail with my wife in the Vancouver area 2009 June to August. We saw three years ago from a ferry:
The region has fantastic landscapes looking from the sea.

Who has experiennce how to handle the coldness?

Of course, oils, gloves, stove, ...but the rest, like keeping a ventilation while the stove heats.
will a stove burn/heat when the boat rolls?

Thanks, Peter

[Peter Mueller]

from Peter / 13th Nov. 2008 / to PCarrice

just got up here where I live now and red your comment. Thank you.

[PCarrico]

I've done a few cold weather deliveries (w/ snow, ice on deck...) Even cruised on an old wooden boat with a coal stove.
Certainly pick your weather wisely.
The diesel heaters work great.
Sleep in the upper bunks where the heat in your boat rises.
Have 2 or 3 sets of FW gear for when they get wet.
Dress in layers with lots of tech clothing (underarmour, fleeces)
Be very careful with propane heaters. They consume oxygen, and they produce carbon monoxide.
I've had two friends die from carbon monoxide poisoning on board boats.
One was a very well liked mechanic at Zanheizers Yacht Yard in Solomons Island MD. who was in an enclosed space with the engine running. The other was a young lady who was taking a shower while underway in the winter. The boat had it's companionway closed all the way, no dorades, all hatches shut. The hot water system was one of those on-demand propane systems mounted in the head. There was a chimney for the propane boiler, but with the lack of air replenishment, the shower quickly became toxic and she passed out. The crew on deck were motoring up the Chesapeake toward Annapolis wondering why she was taking so long in the shower. Very freaky as the door was blocked by her slumped body. It was an Annapolis tragedy as she was very well loved.
A carbon monoxide detector is necessary for any vessel that has these systems, plus the knowledge of needing ventilation.
I've used propane heat systems but with a rule that the companionway must not be shut. If the companionway must be shut, then no propane is to be used. The diesel heaters also need a ventilated air source and the heated air is drawn from the interior.
I should find out what Newbold Smith used on Reindeer for his northern cruises. He wrote a book called "Down Denmark Straight". I haven't read that book in ages. Reindeer was purchased by some friends here in Annapolis, and I'm betting he had some modification to the engine's cooling system to add heat to the interior of the boat.
Good luck. It sounds like a great cruise. Don't let my stories scare you away, just add to your prudence.
Read up on hypothermia prevention and treatment. Very important ...