Cruising in hot weather? Then why not enjoy a cool happy hour off your boat? Here are a few tips to keep it fun and safe.
Summary
Our cruising grounds exposed us to frequent high temperatures, sometimes over 100 degrees F. How did we keep cool? With lots of swimming. And not just throughout the day but when socializing with friends during happy hour. Sitting in shallow water off the beach or off the stern of an anchored boat is perfect for staying cool while visiting.
Safety is key. A line off the stern not only gives visitors a place to hook their dinghies but also provides swimmers a place to hang on. In high winds or strong currents, add a few lines with floating fenders.
Speaking of floating, swim belts and noodles provide a little helpful flotation. And make sure you keep an eye on everyone. Especially when alcohol is present. Having your swim ladder down is also smart for anyone unable to return to their dinghy on their own. And don’t turn up the music so loud you couldn’t hear someone cry for help.
Boaters will bring their own drinks. If coolers stay in the dinghy, cover them with towels to keep them cool longer.
We found people often weren’t hungry in the heat. So we stopped bothering with food.
Insulated mugs keep things cool. And have extra coozies for people drinking from cans, in case someone forgets to bring their own.
Finally, keep that cool feeling going after happy hour ends. If you prep a cold dinner in the morning, you can serve it when you’re hungry. If you prefer to read, check out Happy Hour IN the Water and listen to the full podcast for more details.
Links:
Swim Belt (Amazon)
Insulated Mug (Amazon)
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!
Click to see all podcast sponsors, past and present. – https://bit.ly/3idXto7
Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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