Super slick, minimal, and quiet, the Z2R runabout and the Z2T tender are the creations of boatbuilder Piotr Zin, founder of Zin Boats in Seattle. With a top speed around 30 knots, combined with zero emissions and virtually no maintenance requirements, these boats are turning heads. Some speculate that having them on board large yachts as tenders is the way of the future

A TIME FOR SECLUSION, TRANQUILITY, AND SAFETY

BY DEANE HISLOP

Summer has officially come and gone. As the majority of boaters in the Pacific Northwest head home for the season, this opens the waterways to those of us determined to continue our boating experiences. The off-season offers a respite as anchorages are deserted, marinas and marine park docks become our own, guest moorage rates are reduced, and no jockeying required at the fuel dock or launch ramps. The sea and wildlife are unencumbered by summer’s steady stream of boat traffic and visitors walking the park trails. The seals and otters take on an indignant “this is my cove” attitude. The weather becomes cooler and days shorter, the winds increase, and storms come frequently. For some boaters this is bad news, however, for seasoned mariners this change is welcomed with open arms. Though off-season cruising may seem unappealing to the unfamiliar, the hardy few know it offers a chance to experience

familiar waters in new ways. The landscape takes on a different cloak, the crowds thin out, and well-known places feel somehow different. There are few pleasures better than curling up in a warm salon with a good book on a rainy day. After Labor Day, there are fewer boats out on the water, and the trend accelerates as we move through the calendar. Most boats spend half the year idle at the dock, orphans from October through March. Just a handful of intrepid boaters enjoy the solitude and serenity of year-round boating, and if you want to be part of that bold crew, it is important to be properly prepared and practice safety first.

Let the Weather Rule

Check the weather before heading out. Storms occur in the fall and winter with more regularity than in the summer. For off-season

cruising, it’s important to be flexible, monitor the VHF weather channel, and review the detailed National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration weather maps. Whatever the itinerary, include extra time for weather changes so you do not put your boat and crew at risk. Even though drenching rainstorms will arrive regularly throughout the cooler months, so will those rare crystal clear and crisp winter days that we here in the Pacific Northwest truly cherish.

Safety First

Poor visibility due to rain or fog is more common this time of the year, and conditions can deteriorate quickly. Radar, GPS, AIS, VHF Radio, depth sounders, and a chartplotter are invaluable. Always be prepared for rough water. Secure all loose equipment on deck before getting underway. If conditions worsen, you or a crew member do not want to be on deck wrestling to tie something down. Securing everything

inside the boat is also important. In rough water, loose items can shift. Ensure that your navigation lights are in working order. With shorter days, you may get back to the dock or to the anchorage after dark. Replace burned-out bulbs and carry spares onboard. Cold temperatures shorten battery life, both in your boat’s system and in flashlights, so I suggest carrying spare batteries for all of your small electronics. Be vigilant when underway. Winter storms coupled with higher than normal tides drag driftwood off beaches and into the choppy water, making spotting logs difficult. As temperatures drop during the winter months, pay attention to slippery boat decks and docks. While we advocate wearing a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) anytime you take to the water, wearing one during the cooler months of the year is a must. Invest in some good deck shoes or boots with non-skid soles, nobody wants to slip on a wet deck.

Leave Word

One of the joys of off-season cruising is the lack of boat traffic. There can be days when you have the water entirely to yourself. The flip side is, should you experience a breakdown or encounter an emergency, there might be no one else around to assist. The solution: Let people know where you are going. File a float plan or leave details as specific as you can, especially your time of return, with someone who will be expecting you. Include instructions such as: “If you don’t receive a call or text from me by X time, notify the authorities.” Also, with today’s electronics, you can leave plenty of digital breadcrumbs, if the boat is not equipped with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIPB), invest in a personal locator beacon (PLB) to share your coordinates in the event of an emergency.

Warm It Up

For years, we had no heat source on our previous boats and managed fine during the fall and spring with the proper clothing. But for winter cruising, this approach is out of the question and a good source of heat is a number one necessity. I use a Red Dot auxiliary heater when the engine is running and the diesel furnace when swinging on the hook or tied to the dock. This keeps the cabin toasty and helps dry out wet clothing. A hydronic heating system can be plumbed through the hot water tank for instant hot water. Trust me, outdoor activities are much more pleasant if you can easily warm up inside afterwards!

Self-Reliant

If your only means of heat overnight is via shore power, plan ahead. Unless you’re near a major center, most marinas, fuel docks, stores,

and onshore amenities will be closed or only open on an abbreviated schedule. Call ahead to prevent being stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing. Before leaving the dock ensure that all the scheduled and required maintenance and inspections have been completed on your boat. Breaking down is never any fun, but during inclement winter weather, it can easily become a very dangerous situation. Carry owner manuals onboard, along with tools, spare engine oil, filters, impellers, belts, pumps, hoses, and hose clamps should you need to make minor repairs while out on the water. Self-amalgamating tape is a handy item to have onboard. This is stretchy tape that sticks to itself, but not to what it is wrapped around and can be used to temporally repair a leaking hose. Nobody knows when an accident requiring medical attention may occur. Carry a comprehensive medical kit and know how to use it. Also carry medications for common ailments. You cannot be prepared for everything, but you can prepare for likely problems.

Dealing with Moisture

During the off-season, adequate ventilation is particularly important as humidity is higher, and moisture will most definitely be brought inside with open doors, windows, and wet clothing. Cooking, particularly with propane, also adds moisture to the cabin air. High humidity steams up the windows, encourages mold, and impedes wet items from drying. Cracking open a couple hatches on opposite sides of the boat will facilitate ventilation and will help reduce the humidity level.

Staying Warm and Dry

Temperatures fall quickly after sunset, and sunset comes early this time

of the year. Here in the Pacific Northwest the off-season months are cooler with temps ranging from 60 degrees to below freezing. Check the forecast and dress accordingly. Layering is the way to go for staying warm and dry. A coat or sweater can be removed if too warm, but you cannot add more layers if there is not an extra one onboard. A good set of rain gear is also essential. Both fleece and wool retain their warmth in damp conditions. Toss in a couple of pairs of long underwear (polypro), all-weather nylon pants and lightweight waterproof pants, jackets that fit over the fleece and wool hats. For footwear, choose wool socks (warm, absorbent, and fast drying SmartWool is a good choice), deck shoes and boots. If you’re hiking, I recommend bringing a pair of lug sole boots onboard for those wet, slippery, and muddy trails. For the hands, Polartec gloves with rubber grip palms and fingers work well.

Setting the Hook

Good ground tackle is priceless for peace of mind if the wind kicks up. For off-season anchoring, an oversized anchor and rode are a good choice. The more remote the destination, the more prepared you should be to handle a full gale. Use the weather forecast, tide tables, and detailed charts to determine exactly where to anchor. Deploy extra scope so you and your crew will sleep better if the wind increases or changes direction. It’s always a good idea to be aware of alternative anchoring sites nearby and have a Plan B ready that will offer protection should the wind direction shift.

Guard Against Cabin Fever

The days are short, and the nights are long. If accustomed to living

in a house with many rooms, it may take some getting used to the close quarters on a boat. Have plenty of books, magazines, games, and puzzles so that everyone, kids especially, can entertain themselves during inclement weather. Within reason, insist that everyone get off the boat at least once a day, if only to take a short walk or a row around the cove.

Comfort Food

No matter the season, keep cruising menus simple. During cooler weather months, one-pot meals, hearty stews, soups, pasta, rice dishes, and an endless supply of java and cocoa hit the spot. Root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, and fruits, like apples and citrus, travel well in any season and can be stowed without refrigeration in either a cooler on deck or in the lazarette.

Last Word of Advice

The first time you plan an off-season sortie, keep it short—limit it to just two or three days as a test of the endurance of you and your crew. If you, your crew, and the boat are properly equipped, with care, caution, and the proper mindset, year-round cruising will provide sights and encounters other boaters may never experience! Off-season cruising is not only good for your spirit, it’s also good for your boat. When idle, unused engines and pumps forget how to work. Condensation collects in the tanks and fuel lines. Everything gets cold and damp. By keeping your boat running through the winter months, it is much more likely to run smoothly right into spring. Now, fill your travel cups with hot cocoa, buckle on your PFD, and have some off-season fun!