If you live in a northern region, your outdoor activities are likely limited by the onset of cold winter weather. Try as we might, boats simply do not travel well on frozen lakes and rivers. However, surprising mild winters and the ability to set your sails toward a tropical destination can extend your boating season indefinitely.

Once your boat is up and running and has proper insurance coverage, you are pretty much free to travel with it as you wish. If you live in the coastal areas of the northern United States, you might not be far from the ocean. Why not put your boat in the water in the fall and spend a few weeks traveling down the coast to warmer climates? Heading to a place such as Miami, Florida or even Key West, Florida could not only mean an amazing vacation, it could also be the boating adventure of your life time. Of course if you own a ski boat or it’s January already you may have to come up with a different boating plan for this winter.

Charter Cruises

Hitting the sea for a charter dinner cruise during the winter can be a great mini-getaway. Many charter boats offer outdoor viewing and decks where travelers can take in the sun and enjoy a break from the normal indoor activities of winter. Mild winter weather brings visitors and tourists out in droves.

Fishing

If you are a fisherman, a warm winter means an abundance of fish to catch. In recent years, winter temperatures have been approximately 5 degrees warmer than normal. The five degrees makes a substantial difference in the fish activity in northern waters. It also makes a substantial difference in your comfort level as you spend time outdoors. Striped bass, bluefish, and mackerel are amongst the prime winter catches that you will find if you head outdoors to fish during a mild winter. Don’t hesitate to grab your fishing pole and put that boat in the water as long as it isn’t frozen!

Wildlife

Winter is a great time for both hunting and viewing waterfowl. Early morning and dusk are the best times to see animals along the shore. On the water there are a wide variety of ducks, swans and geese. On larger bodies of water you can even sometimes find diving ducks. Bring a guide listing different waterfowl, binoculars and a spotting scope.

Boat Insurance Concerns

If you are located in an area that experiences cold winters your boat insurance policy may have a clause that outlines the winter lay-up period. The winter lay-up period accounts for the fact that during the cold winter months, many boats are not being used. This often creates a discount on your boat insurance premium. However, if you want to use your boat during the traditional winter months, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company or carefully review your boat insurance policy to make sure that there is no lapse in your insurance coverage.

You can obtain a boat insurance quote online or contact a Global Marine Insurance representative to answer questions about your boat insurance policy or commercial boat insurance needs.