Certainly isn't so idyllic

IT SEEMS obvious to seasoned boaters, but so many crews new to the canals don't seem to realise that there is a world of difference between cruising the system in the spring/summer/autumn and in winter, writes Ralph Freeman.

I think many have been lulled into a false sense of security by the fact a few years back we had a run of very mild winters with very little frost and ice. I can remember leaves on the oak trees at the beginning of December one year. 2010 has proved to be very different!

First winter in a marina

I always recommend newcomers to spend at least their first winter in a marina. Electric hookup makes a world of difference! It gives you more options. A small oil-filled radiator of only, say, 500W helps enormously to relieve the chill in a remote bedroom during severe weather.

In milder weather I would recommend newcomers can do short trips out on the Cut and build up their knowledge safely, with less risk of encountering the sort of problems described in the recent article. If you are only a day or two away from base (and a car?) a breakdown or a problem can be fixed relatively easily, without trauma, at base.

A proven boat

To be able to survive a winter such as the one we are having at the moment you need a proven boat (a new boat is not proven and not necessarily the most reliable either!) and an experienced crew. Those that live out may make it look easy but it is not! It is nearly always the result of many years of experience.

My advice is to stick with it. It took me several winters to feel comfortable cruising in winter and even now I book a winter mooring in a marina as 'insurance'. This year that has proved a winner. That's where I am now, frozen in for the fourth week running but with electric and water available plus my car handy, it's not really a problem just an annoyance. I'd rather be boating!