I have seen posts in several different topics about winter boating. Thought I might create a topic about that.
Here in eastern Oregon/SW Washington winter boating is certainly possible, as the river does not freeze over. I do normally take the boat out in the winter, and I installed fresh water cooling to help my engine warm up and stay warm in the winter. That has worked well so far, although I think one of the Franks can tell you why it is a bad idea to install FWC on a boat with over 600 hrs like mine had.
I have found though that when snow comes, the boat launch area does not get snow removed. So even though I could boat easily enough, I don't think I could pull my boat out of the water on a snow covered ramp during the few weeks a year when we actually have snow. I am curious what others do in this situation when it snows. Do they remove the snow at your boat ramps?
Snow is really the only issue in the winter here, as there will be little to no wind. There are also few boaters out, normally only hunters with camoflaged hunting boats. But lots of sunny days, calm water, ducks, geese, and other birds to see on the river.
In Tri-Cites, WA, (Pasco-Kennewick-Richland) there is an annual Lighted Boat Parade in early December where people decorate and light their boats for a night time 'parade' on the river.
Here in eastern Oregon/SW Washington winter boating is certainly possible, as the river does not freeze over. I do normally take the boat out in the winter, and I installed fresh water cooling to help my engine warm up and stay warm in the winter. That has worked well so far, although I think one of the Franks can tell you why it is a bad idea to install FWC on a boat with over 600 hrs like mine had.
I have found though that when snow comes, the boat launch area does not get snow removed. So even though I could boat easily enough, I don't think I could pull my boat out of the water on a snow covered ramp during the few weeks a year when we actually have snow. I am curious what others do in this situation when it snows. Do they remove the snow at your boat ramps?
Snow is really the only issue in the winter here, as there will be little to no wind. There are also few boaters out, normally only hunters with camoflaged hunting boats. But lots of sunny days, calm water, ducks, geese, and other birds to see on the river.
In Tri-Cites, WA, (Pasco-Kennewick-Richland) there is an annual Lighted Boat Parade in early December where people decorate and light their boats for a night time 'parade' on the river.