We've lived aboard year round since 2015. The first two years we were at Jabin's Yacht Yard but moved to Port Annapolis Marina because they had better amenities for live-aboards. We use reverse A/C until the water temp is about 42 degrees F for heat. Below that temp, reverse air doesn't
work very well. We use three oil-filled heaters on board (our
boat is a
Hunter 41 but is actually about 38') and only use ceramic heaters when we are physically on board (oil filled stay on when off the boat).
Marinas hate heaters of any type on board during winter months but they tolerate the
diesel type heaters, oil-filled and ceramic
electric heaters. Resistive element heaters are a no-no. A few years ago, we started having clear shrink-wrap installed on
deck. This produces a greenhouse effect, keeps the birds from crapping all over the
deck (they like the warmth emanating from the deck surface) and it keeps the snow off. Although the air tends to be dry during cold months, the air inside the
cabin will have moisture content due to body perspiration and use of the
stove. This can cause a lot of
condensation. We eliminate that by keeping a high capacity dehumidifier running 24/7 which drains into the
bilge. Port Annapolis Marina has water available via a submerged water line that we use to fill our
tanks on weekends. They also have a portable
pump out unit on a golf cart which comes around once a week to empty holding
tanks. Piers can get dangerous and very slippery and falling into the water is not an option... hypothermia and wet winter clothes make it difficult to get yourself out of trouble if you fall in. There are a number of live-aboards at Port A who've lived there a good number of years.
If you can, take a trip there and talk to a few of them. They're always willing to share their knowledge.
Linear Mode
Recent Discussions