Woohoo! We have almost made it through our first winter living on a boat - in non-tropical climate! Looking back, I think November & December were generally colder than January and February, here in New Bern. In February, we enjoyed a few days near 80 degrees!
The boat usually warms up pretty quickly with the 2 "heat pumps" and 1 space heater. By noon, we can usually turn off 1 or both "heat pumps" and move the space heater to wherever we are working. At bedtime, we turn off both "heat pumps", and occasionally run the space heater in the bedroom. As we've mentioned before, we stay pretty comfortable with our dual-controls heated mattress pad. I also sleep in a soft hooded sweatshirt to keep my ears warm on really cold nights.
Of course, by morning, it's pretty cold inside the boat, and the first one up turns on the "heat pumps" and space heater. The coldest inside temp we've seen in the morning was 39 degrees in the salon (November). The living area downstairs, below deck, is usually a few degrees warmer because it's partially below the water, which stays warmer than the air (about 50 degrees).
In this cold , I've had to be diligent cleaning & preventing mildew. There are just a few problem areas -- mostly under the water line: under the bed where the bow thruster and anchor windlass batteries are housed, and in the "bilge" storage areas (under the floor). I keep the portable dehumidifier running and move it to various rooms throughout the week -- especially in the head after showering.
Another problem area was the portholes, so we fabricated insulation out of plastic plant trays and pipe insulation. We hope this is the last winter will we need these.
Despite the cold weather, we both continue with projects. The mast-lowering foot should allow us to continue cruising the rivers with low-clearance bridges -- or avoid waiting for bridge-openings.
We are already enjoying the flexibility of the new salon tables! The turtle and crab in-lays Ray incorporated add a little whimsy to the beautiful warmth of the wood he ordered at a local lumber shop.
I finished painting the master bedroom, and Ray installed some new trim and wall lamps. I quilted 2 wall hangings to act as a "headboard" to cover the anchor storage lockers, yet allow easy access for inspection. We had 2 of our favorite photos printed on fabric. (We still have to work out a "system" for determining whose quilt is displayed.)
We are looking forward to spring, which is fast approaching! The next time we post, we will likely be close to departing for the loop in April.
Ray has chosen our general route plan around the loop (several options), but we, of course will make no firm schedules. Our schedule within this plan will be driven primarily by weather and facilities (locks, marinas, etc.).
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