Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

[LuvBoating]

If we were some 30 years (or more) younger we wouldn't be, but, almost in our mid 60's now, we sure are! With whatever we do for fun nowadays, we have to (actually must) watch out for our health. Being caught in the rain can get us sick, bopping around on the water in wind can give our bodies so much aches/pains for hours afterwards and high heat isn't good for our age bracket at all.

SO......if there is a good chance of rain/t-storms in the forecast, wind is 10+ mph during the day or it's just too dang hot/humid......it's a no go for us! And, of course, when boating on any waterway that connects to the ocean, the tide times play a big part in boating as well.

We've known boaters who plainly "throw caution to the wind" and go out in almost any kind of weather, but that sure isn't us. We don't go out on the water for the entire day either. We go out for a few hours and that's it.

I still think age has a lot to do with "fair-weather" boating. What do you think?

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

I think you may be right. Back in the early 80's, when I had my Checkmate, weather never influenced if we were going out in the boat.
Now, (I'm in my mid 50's) we keep our Doral in a covered slip so we go up to the boat every weekend regardless of the weather. But just like you, if there is a good chance of rain/t-storms in the forecast, wind is 10+ mph during the day or it's just too dang hot/humid......it's a no go for us too.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

NOAA's forecast for Sunday was SW10, 1-2, smooth to light chop...so we headed out on St. George Sound. WRONG! Halfway to Little St. George Island the bay has become a slogfest. NOPE! Turned around and went up-river on the Apalachicola. Flat, smooth and relaxing! A fishing tournament may be one reason to beat yourself up, but not for an afternoon outing. Know what you mean, Luv.

 

[emoney]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Heck the whole reason I moved to Florida was for "fair weather boating", lol. i suppose we have a slight "advantage" over most of the country in that if today isn't such a nice forecast, we always have tomorrow. However, I will admit that when I lived in the birthplace (Kentucky) I was more prone to "push the limits" of the weather because there was definitely a boating "season". Down here, I can safely say I can boat 12 months out of the year. That still doesn't mean "every day".

BTW, coastalrichard, I was introduced to your St. George's Island year before last and I liked it. We went up over the 4th of July week when most of the "island" vacationers weren't there and because of that, I will definitely go back. We practically had the island to ourselves, at least the state park portion. Of course, we met quite a few of your "flying residents", but that's what bug spray is for, and being from Florida, we were ready for them, lol. How shallow is the Sound, btw? We didn't take the boat so only drove past it and it looked really, really thin. Might've been deceiving of course. Very pretty up there.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

BTW, coastalrichard, I was introduced to your St. George's Island year before last and I liked it. We went up over the 4th of July week when most of the "island" vacationers weren't there and because of that, I will definitely go back. We practically had the island to ourselves, at least the state park portion. Of course, we met quite a few of your "flying residents", but that's what bug spray is for, and being from Florida, we were ready for them, lol. How shallow is the Sound, btw? We didn't take the boat so only drove past it and it looked really, really thin. Might've been deceiving of course. Very pretty up there.

Too bad we weren't acquainted when you visited. My BIL lives in St Pete, so I'll give you a shout next time I'm in your area. The bay is relatively shallow during the summer months at around 5'-13', deeper in the intercoastal. In winter, don't go where you're not familiar as the plentiful oyster bars will get you. The paved road in the State park now runs all the way to the East End so bring your redfish, trout, spanish and pompano gear with you next time! If you're into tarpon, you need to be here as they are thick as thieves right now. A week ago (no...I forgot the camera) they were tailing so bunched up it looked like carpet!

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

I think when we get older we might be wiser too. Well at least to some degree from lessons learned. LOL.. I fish all year round and I'm right next to 60 now. I don't care for fishing in storms and usually won't unless I'm going with a group. I will go out in the heat and cold with the right clothing and such. Rain is not my favorite but I won't come in because of it. I have my gear onboard all year round.

My circulation isn't what it was when I was young and my fingers tend to get numb and hurt in the cold. Warm gloves only help while I have them on and sometimes it takes a couple of hours to get back to normal.

I'm not as keen on launching and retrieving as I once was and dealing with the ramp bozo's is probably my biggest complaint. I think I prefer not so great weather for that because the idiots tend to stay at home.

 

[LuvBoating]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

If we could afford it, we'd have our boat in dry storage instead of on a trailer in a pay storage area. I've talked to a few younger boaters who have their's in dry storage and they told me that they take their boat out much more than when it was on a trailer. Not just the weather can affect our bones/muscles, launching and retrieving can easily do it as well. But, in dry storage a boater doesn't have the mobility w/the boat that is there when the boat is on a trailer. Unless, of course, the boat trailer is being stored at the facility as well. Dry storage can (is) expensive.......almost double of what we pay ($127 per month) b/c we would have to either sell the trailer or pay for it's storage. Even if it was in dry storage, the weather would still play a big part in taking it out or not.

We've taken our boat out as late as the 31st of Oct and it was fine. After that date, the water does start getting to cold to step in when launching/retrieving.

 

[Jlawsen]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

A pickup truck can be your answer to wet feet. When I have to back it in deeper I can still walk the trailer tounge and climb in and out of the bed over the tires. I somehow manage to stay dry 99% of the time. I carry a change of clothes in the truck box and always have a spare pair of shoes and socks just in case. I hate wet shoes now, even in the summer time.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

I can relate to the physical issues of boating. At 53, I'm beginning to realize the effects of my age on my abilities. There are times when I look at the boat from my porch and wonder "do I really want to go through all the effort" to spend a few hours on the water knowing all the hours that will necessary before and after?

I like the idea of having a rig dry stored as the marina will do all the work, but it just adds to the cost (plus I'm hostage to their gas prices); it's expensive enough for NoE on land and I don't like the feeling of being "trapped" to one launch facility.

The best thing I did when getting the larger boat last year was investing in the power winch and tender battery setup...makes the end of the day just as relaxing...motor up the trailer, grab the cable hook, pull the cord...pull me out, I'm done!

 

[LuvBoating]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Our boat is a cuddy cabin with a fairly high hull. There is no way that either of us could climb on top of the cuddy cabin from the winch! Now, with our last boat, a 16' Bowrider, I could climb into the bow from the trailer with pretty much no problem. There was also two floating docks on the ramp that helped with launching/retrieving as well.

A pickup truck can be your answer to wet feet. When I have to back it in deeper I can still walk the trailer tounge and climb in and out of the bed over the tires. I somehow manage to stay dry 99% of the time. I carry a change of clothes in the truck box and always have a spare pair of shoes and socks just in case. I hate wet shoes now, even in the summer time.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

If the prediction is for t-storms we'll stay home. Lots of other things to do, like go to the cabin and chop some firewood under the rain shelter. Or, if its 30 mph winds its just no fun anyway. If that makes us fair=weather boaters, so be it.

However, if its just a little cold (say above 50), but the sun is out and the sky is clear and the wind is light, we GO. Our first jetski ride of the year is usually in June when the water is 50 and i have to get my feet wet launching. But all my other boats are on roller trailers so getting my feet wet isn't an option.

If we are out and an unpredicted storm comes up, or the wind rises and we get all wet, well we just laugh it off and have fun anyway. Life is to short to worry about the small stuff.

Oh, btw, did I mention that we are in our 60's as well? Cold, deep snow, stuff like that is hardly more than a slight nuisance. Living in FL would bother me though. I can put more clothes on, but you can only take so much off.

My bones are still fine and my back doesn't bother me. I attribute my health to living in a climate with few bugs (Buffalo, NY), riding my bicycle every other day even in the cold and of course ample injection of the 2 main food groups - beer and Chocolate!!!

 

[partskenn]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

The first few years we had a boat we would go out in anything less than a thunderstorm. These days, my wife and I agree that we are "pleasure boaters", and that there is limited pleasure in getting beat up out in rough weather. The beer still tastes good while tied to the pier in the marina, and we have plenty of friends there to solialize with.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Yeah, we just don't go out when the lake is covered with ice.

High winds are likely to cause us to cancel too.

 

[LuvBoating]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Well, we could NEVER live in a cold/snowy climate again. My '06 hip replacement, '07 rotator cuff surgery and '88 ankle surgery (install of a plate/3 screws) prevents that! Even during the so-called "winter" we have here in northeast Florida, the temps can play some havoc on those areas. The way we feel, we HAVE to worry about the "small stuff" when it comes to weather and boating. We are both in descent health, but that sure doesn't mean that getting rained on or trying to ride waves out is fun for us. Nope!

If the prediction is for t-storms we'll stay home. Lots of other things to do, like go to the cabin and chop some firewood under the rain shelter. Or, if its 30 mph winds its just no fun anyway. If that makes us fair=weather boaters, so be it.

However, if its just a little cold (say above 50), but the sun is out and the sky is clear and the wind is light, we GO. Our first jetski ride of the year is usually in June when the water is 50 and i have to get my feet wet launching. But all my other boats are on roller trailers so getting my feet wet isn't an option.

If we are out and an unpredicted storm comes up, or the wind rises and we get all wet, well we just laugh it off and have fun anyway. Life is to short to worry about the small stuff.

Oh, btw, did I mention that we are in our 60's as well? Cold, deep snow, stuff like that is hardly more than a slight nuisance. Living in FL would bother me though. I can put more clothes on, but you can only take so much off.

My bones are still fine and my back doesn't bother me. I attribute my health to living in a climate with few bugs (Buffalo, NY), riding my bicycle every other day even in the cold and of course ample injection of the 2 main food groups - beer and Chocolate!!!

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

I'm a fair weather boater, and I'm not even past 50s yet. nothing to do with health as much as just not wanting to have the boat get all wet. since I store it at my lake lot, it's easy to drop in on Friday evening and pull out on Sunday, but if the weather is calling for rain, then she stays covered up and I change my priority to beer and naps on the porch.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Thunderstorms, even moderate rain will keep me off the water in the summer, but cold and snow, naw, that just means it is hunting season and time to get on the water! My favorite hunting places are "boat in only" places.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

just not wanting to have the boat get all wet

Wait a minute there... Does your boat somehow float above the water, or is it a trailer queen?

 

[drrpm]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Taking the family out in anything but good weather is no fun. Avoiding storms is a no brainer. Wind means bad wakeboarding/ skiing conditions. Too cold and no one wants to get wet so there's no point in going. I whitewater kayak year round and have the necessary gear for that. Those trips are only called off for severe weather.

 

[Old Yeller Boater]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Wait a minute there... Does your boat somehow float above the water, or is it a trailer queen?

By the time I get done spending money to fix it up, it darn well better float above water!

 

[emoney]

Re: Are You A "Fair-Weather" Boater?

Nothing beats having a lift in the backyard, let me tell you. We have lived down here for going on 15 years and for the first 12, I didn't have a boat because with growing quickly kids, it was difficult to use it. Once the last one got his DL I started "home shopping". Once he went to college (eventually landing in the Navy), I found a house on a canal with a lift and introduced my wife to it. It wasn't until AFTER we'd moved it, did it dawn on her why I had chosen this one because that's when the boat rolled into the driveway. Now I can go back and hop on my boat anytime I want. Before, I'd NEVER go to all the effort of launching the boat just for a 2 hour sunset cruise. Now, however, absolutely.

The boat has since changed, but that's the backyard and I absolutely love and hope I'm here until I die....which I hope isn't for another 30-40years since I'm only 47, but you know what I mean.

@Richard, let me know when you're coming down to visit the BIL and we'll get together!