10 Cold Weather Boating Activities

Published on November 17, 2021

The sun is getting lower in the sky and the mornings are crisp but that doesn’t mean you’re done with your Sea Ray boat for the year. There are lots of ways to enjoy fall and winter boating activities that will have you thanking yourself for having the initiative to be a boater.    

1) Leaf peeping
Fall boating activities can add a lot of color, especially as you cruise lakes and rivers with fall foliage. Even more than summer, fall brings out the vivid hues that cameras love. Mention leaf peeping to your friends and you’ll have a lot of takers because people drive for miles to see trees fire up with brilliant reds and oranges and with you, they’ll be able to do it from the water. 

2) Camping
Cooler weather often translates to fewer people out and about so why not plan a camping trip with your boat? If you have a Sea Ray with a cabin, your sleeping arrangements are already secured, but if you have a smaller model or more people, anchor near an island or beach and have your party camp ashore. Roast marshmallows, pitch a tent, stargaze and relish the solitude especially if it’s somewhere you can only get by boat.

3) Home port anchoring
You don’t need to spend the night out to have a change of view. Instead of planning long cruises like in the summer, untie the dock lines and drop anchor in a nearby cove or even in your own harbor. You’ll be surprised how the scenery changes once you’re out on the hook, even if it’s just around the corner from your slip. When you’re done, you won’t have a long way to go or much weather to plan for as you head in.

4) Sunset cruising
The sun sets earlier this time of year so it’s easy to sneak in a sundowner cruise before dinner. Grab the kids and grandparents and enjoy the end of a brilliant fall day on the water. Watching a sunset is a wonderful way to remind yourself to have gratitude for all that you have in your life.

5) Friendsgiving
Spin a traditional holiday in a new direction by hosting an onboard “Friendsgiving” before, during, or after the usual Thanksgiving. Simplify the fare or cook at home and bring it all down to the boat for a lovely meal in the cockpit. If you’re out for the day, you may even be able to catch (and then cook) your feast aboard.

6) Fishing
Instead of crowded shopping malls on the day after Thanksgiving, consider heading out to dip a hook. It may not be swimsuit and tubing weather, but you can bait a hook while wearing a jacket and cooler air may be welcome as you work to get the big one aboard. Heck, people go ice fishing, so surely some brisk fall temperatures won’t slow down a real angler.

7) Docktails
One way to enjoy fall boating but not worry about the weather is docktails. Invite a group down to enjoy happy hour at the dock. The boat won’t be moving so the wind won’t get you, it beats the backyard because it’s a novelty your friends will love, nobody will get seasick, you can’t beat the views, and if a storm rolls in, you pack up quickly and go home. Best of all, you enjoy your Sea Ray boat while not burning any fuel and if you run out of mixers or treats, just pop up to the marina store for more. 

8) Southern ports
You can always opt for a week of warmer temperatures by heading south from your home port. Whether you commute to warmer climes on your own bottom or load up your Sea Ray on a trailer and drive down the highway until the temperature rises, going south makes a lot of sense if you’re determined to boat longer into the year.

9) Boat shows
Another way to enhance your winter boating activities and stay in the boating mindset is to attend a boat show. You can check out new gear, absorb a festive boating vibe, keep the excitement going as you look toward next season and even have shop for your Sea Ray boat. 

10) Maintenance
This may be strange, but winter boating activities include boat maintenance. It’s not as bad as it sounds. You winterize, clean and secure your Sea Ray and ensure it’s ready for spring. Getting things ticked off a list is surprisingly rewarding, and you get to spend time aboard your baby.

You don’t have to be cruising on your boat to keep boating in your heart. Just grab a sweater and keep an open mind about what boating means. You’ll soon find yourself boating one way or another all year long. 

Read about winter boating here.