How realistic is living aboard through winter in a colder climate?

[Cheechako]

It's feasible. It's harder if you are working. Laundry at the Laundromat, walks with groceries down the dock to the boat, hull sweating constant drips inside the boat, hot in the top 2 ft of the cabin while feet cold, no room to iron clothes for work if required, damp musty smelling clothes...

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

It's feasible. It's harder if you are working. Laundry at the Laundromat, walks with groceries down the dock to the boat, hull sweating constant drips inside the boat, hot in the top 2 ft of the cabin while feet cold, no room to iron clothes for work if required, damp musty smelling clothes...

Up there, best to take the hipster route, don't bother with shower, shampoo, ironing, and don't pay for heat... just wear pajamas under your clothes and always wear a beanie, always! since it covers up your greasy hair.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

It's feasible. It's harder if you are working. Laundry at the Laundromat, walks with groceries down the dock to the boat, hull sweating constant drips inside the boat, hot in the top 2 ft of the cabin while feet cold, no room to iron clothes for work if required, damp musty smelling clothes...

And when I started this thread I expected the hardest part to be keeping the boat warm.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by robert644

Wood is a very nice way to heat, but requires a lot of maintenance to keep the fire going. And stockpiling wood. And filling up the harbor with noxious smoke.

I was surprised to hear this as an option.. I do some heating of my home with wood and it takes some doing to keep a fire going for a few months. Some of the logistics seem next to impossible on a boat.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by hpeer

The BEST advice I can give is a solutly, positively agree,min written with your SO. NO fights below 50°F! All else is doable.

Sounds like good time to make love not war.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by jkindredpdx

Up there, best to take the hipster route, don't bother with shower, shampoo, ironing, and don't pay for heat... just wear pajamas under your clothes and always wear a beanie, always! since it covers up your greasy hair.

It works for some but I wouldn't make a good hipster.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Crazy Talk

It works for some but I wouldn't make a good hipster.

Huh? With a screen name like that?

[boatpoker]

This ain't rocket science, 20yrs in Toronto with no humidity problems, no mold, no electric blanket, no lack of water, no lack of pumpouts. Proper ventilation, some effort applied to insulation and properly installed (vented) shrinkwrap. I have a comfortable non-camping style life.

[hpeer]

Christ, I can't even find your boat in that pic. Brrrr!

You have us beat, never again!

[robert644]

I was surprised to hear this as an option.. I do some heating of my home with wood and it takes some doing to keep a fire going for a few months. Some of the logistics seem next to impossible on a boat.

Installation Views

My experience was that it was very nice, but required stoking every 30-60 minutes. It's just the way it is with a small firebox. A large stove could work, but it's hard to place something like that in a small boat.

Also, wood everywhere and ash and soot.

But very nice and comforting otherwise. Definitely worth it, unless you have to full time work and do all that stuff. The an Espar and thermostat with a timer.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

This ain't rocket science, 20yrs in Toronto with no humidity problems, no mold, no electric blanket, no lack of water, no lack of pumpouts. Proper ventilation, some effort applied to insulation and properly installed (vented) shrinkwrap. I have a comfortable non-camping style life.

That snow is amazing. Funny how tiny homes and not letting stuff rule your lives seem to be the new rage right now. I think you live aboard guys and gals had it figured out way before it became a "thing." Nice!

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by robert644

Installation Views

My experience was that it was very nice, but required stoking every 30-60 minutes. It's just the way it is with a small firebox. A large stove could work, but it's hard to place something like that in a small boat.

Also, wood everywhere and ash and soot.

But very nice and comforting otherwise. Definitely worth it, unless you have to full time work and do all that stuff. The an Espar and thermostat with a timer.

I love the idea and while heat is heat, I'm always warmer when the fire is going.

My choices probably lean more towards electric, though. I also want to visit the warm for extended periods so using the space for the equipment may not make sense in my situation.

[Crazy Talk]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Huh? With a screen name like that? [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3]

I like to do my own thing, but fermenting in my own filth isn't one of them. [emoji3]

[AquaGeo]

Sail Life on Youtube has a good series about outfitting his boat for cold weather, Reflex Stoves are his weapon of choice.

https://www.youtube.com/user/madsdahlke/videos

[jkindredpdx]

Originally Posted by Crazy Talk

I was surprised to hear this as an option.. I do some heating of my home with wood and it takes some doing to keep a fire going for a few months. Some of the logistics seem next to impossible on a boat.

Presto Logs burn well when broken into 2-3" thick disks... I also found wood pellets burn well in a vegetable can. I used a can opener around the base to make vent holes. generally scraps of cardboard, paper, and junk mail take the chill off and I don't need a real fire...