I just stumbled across this video. Some suggestions for keeping the cabin just a little warmer if not completely comfortable. Go get you a roll or two of door weather stripping. Heat rises so start at the highest point and either use a towel or weather stripping on the sliding roof hatch. If you can attach the weather stripping without interfering with the functionality of the hatch, use it, otherwise use maybe a towel. Now the companionway vents, cut some weather stripping to fit snuggly into those openings. If the stripping doesn't fit snuggly then use small pieces of expanded polystyrene foam board cut to fit, it looks like a Styrofoam board with a reflective material on both sides. Your heat is racing out through those openings. Next, if your cockpit storage hatches are connected in any way to the cabin then use door weather stripping on the inside of the hatches. I'm not sure how the Catalina 30s are, but on my Catalina 22 the air easily flows from the cabin to the cockpit lockers. Heaters. if you have ANY other kind of heater besides an electric space heater then use it. Electric heaters work but they just don't have that penetrating warmth that other heaters do. I'd also suggest an electric blanket when just lounging about in the cabin, but real estate on a sailboat is at a premium, so maybe not. They are awesome though.
@@BlueMoonLife ventilation is critical in enclosed areas prone to moisture issues - boats, vans, busses, etc - put some HYPERVENT matting in-between your mattress & the wood support of your bed. It'll allow for air to circulate and prevent mold
Thanks for sharing. Glad the forward cabin insulation is better now. A cold boat can be a truly bleak experience, but I admire your positivity, which is warming! Stay safe, and if you spot any more logs, suggest lasso them to the pontoon and invite the marina team to remove them from the water. Even a log that small can cause damage to the hulls and floats of unwary vessels and seaplanes at speed. Greetings from coastal Essex, England. 🎉💯👌🏽🇬🇧
Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to share your life experiences with us all. I also want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into editing this all together to stitch a wonderful mosaic of your life.
Yes, a diesal heater is a good idea - dry heat and the heat tubing warms up the compartments along the hull. I have used rubber mats underneath my mattress for years. Keeps the moisture off of the bottom of the mattress and helps the moisture to evaporate. The matts I use are honeycomb style that workers would stand on in an industrial setting. Does the job, easy to cut to size and cheap! :)
Awesome editing Gillian, I read some comments that were ripping on this lifestyle, but a good cup of coffee and something to read or watch on your boat sounds perfect.
Dear community’s, Dear Gillian & Jonas! Your attribute: Information value, level, authentic, no Netflix weekend production, of course unvarnished, realistic. Produced without short film sequences, with a lot of work and heart and intellectual flair.
You should get more wood for that wood stove that you have there that seems to be warmer than the other heaters. Most people that I've seen that have gone to the Arctic and stuff they use those stoves to keep themselves warm. Try to stay comfortable keep your chin up everything works out in the long run. It's like my mother used to say everything changes. just wait till you turn the corner.
Hi Gillian I live on a boat too and made a thermal hatch cover using two layers of reflectix. It's held in place using magnetic tape. It'll transform your comfort level onboard. Also you can use the magnetic tape to hold up a mosquito net hatch cover in the summer so it's really useful onboard.
@Michael, We are frequent contributors on skoolie and other home-built forums. We read about bubble-wrap such as you recommend. Most users say that type of product offers little insulation with only one or two layers. . On our ExpeditionVehicle, we layered three different types of insulation... ... and here is the important part... ... with air-gaps between each layer. Trapped air cannot exchange heat with the hull, so this significantly improves the insulating properties compared to each layer alone. . With our excessively obsessive insulation, we built with small dual-pane slider windows. Glass -- such as a van or bus conversion -- is just about impossible to insulate. . J&G's Catalina has windows. Unfortunately, using curtains for insulation reduces the incoming sun... S.A.D.. . I think the tarp offers some insulation as it slows the wind stripping away heat migrating through the deck (aka 'the ceiling of the interior'). As that escaping warmth is removed, it offers a place for other heat to escape, escalating the issue.
Just love seeing you adapt to conditions around you Gillian. I think for me , seeing you and Jonas together, with your interplay with each other is amazing. I know Jonas wasn't in this video obviously, but I could see him in your actions. I can't wait to be able to see "Blue Moon" taking you out to enjoy the action of wind and wave alone or together, it will make of tremendous viewing. Your are in a way my hero Gillian, I hope you never change. Take care of each other, be safe and when you can sail on.
@@BlueMoonLife I feel that you have put a great effort into producing the videos that bring me so much joy, that I have to try and show my appreciation, and the best way for me is to try and show you what you do mean to me. Your willingness to share touch's my heart in ways I have trouble explaining. I have to go back and look at previous episodes when I"m feeling down.
I know winter is about over but one option for a 3rd heater is to run a heavy extension chord from the power pedestal on the dock in through the companionway. You may need to pay an extra charge but it may be worth it for some extra heat. If there is an extra plug on the pedestal that could equal extra heat for you🙂
I really like Catalina 30 galley. Cover up the louvrw on the companion way, makes a huge difference in keeping the warmth in.. ps, I really like the editing on this video. The b roll & the music is nice.
Has been crazy cold, my 30 is still on the hard, don't know why it's taking so long but the new strut & shaft look great and the prop was refinished, no hurry till spring I guess. I have the same issue with water in the 1/4 birth, think mine is from the helm pedestal, started resealing with butyl tape, works really well, no more leaks where it's been done. Keep warm, you need a wool sweater, I have a couple, very thin and very warm and it doesn't tend to get damp, also have a wool indian trading blanket for the lap while watching the sunset. check thrift stores, the wool is expensive new but oh what a difference, I had some socks too for the morning but wore out the bottom.
This episode came up as a RU-vid recommendation while propped up in my bunk procrastinating about sorting out the fuel system in 3° rain and wind. Gave it a few seconds and thought "Nah, that'll be ****" and found the Sailing Frenchman instead, perfect with coffee. Then I needed something else, ended up back here as I was too lazy to look further and glad I did. It isn't *** at all; it's really chilled, well put together viewing perfect for second coffee procrastinators. Thank you, loved it. Except for the attempt to skim stones. Sorry, that WAS .... Oh well, better get outside.
Thank you for another very real vid. Whilst I'm not in the Canadian Nth Pacific I get the struggle with moisture and I hate those wet cold days... Thank you for the feedback on the dehumidifier - I may get one for my Top Hat 25'...or a small 36v reverse cycle AC which I've heard are good for dealing with moisture! I had a diesel heater and it was just too hot for the boat, perhaps it was the wrong size and it was a cheap Chinese copy from ebay. It's hard to keep warm sometimes though... I've done 32 laps pushing a trolley around a supermarket to get warm. NZ socks, a thick hoodie and lots of bucket sized cups of coffee and after midday tea and lots of laughter helps. I hate cleaning out the boat too.... yeah white vinegar helps but it stinks for a bit. In a rough passage I sleep like a baby in the pokey stern bunks! Keep smiling, your Jonas will be back soon. : ) Brian
Hey 1st time viewer here, I follow about 12 other sailing channels....lol Just dropping in to suggest jamming tea towels or whatever you can find around the hatch cover, once you're in for the night. Maybe even cover that vent in the door panel. You're losing a lot of heat up there. You'll find those space heaters would be a lot more effective.
Just spent the last week of January over in N.Van. on my recently purchased sailboat in temps hovering around 32/35 degrees. Icy docks worth your life to walk on in the mornings, trying to keep some heat going in the boat and trying to get the chores done while maintaining my blood sugar was sure fun
We did a lot of winter camping with our truck and slide in camper. I made a sub floor, on top of half inch spacers under the mattress of the cab over bed. Solved the moisture problem. It provided air circulation.
Space heating - yes, you'll have to increase your BTUs in the cabin and electricity won't cut it. You'll have to milk that little solid fuel heater in the cabin for all its got, with the best fuel that you find will work in it, on top of your 30 amps shore power (120VAC supposedly). I've settled on sub-bit coal for my cabin over the winter and it's awesome, for predictable affordable 24-hour heat. Always being cold gets to be a real drag and is spiritually draining as people found out millennia ago. I'd second the diesel heat suggestion for a boat though, if the price works. Some relevant YT channels: 'Alluring Arctic Sailing' (Heating your boat when it's actually cold), 'Saltwest Co Sailing' Ep.8 and ' Life is Like Sailing' (Newport Dickinson P9000).
Watching this gave me a serious case of déjà vu after 10 years of boat life I genuinely don't miss the boat in winter at all. One thing I will say is buy a eberspacher diesel heater worth the weight in gold
You should use a sheet of reflectix double pack insulation on top of and between your blankets. You can purchase a 4 x 10 - foot roll of the stuff from amazon for around $25 dollars. It will greatly increase your warmth while sleeping.
You can also buy the cheap mylar survival blankets the sort they wrap runners in at the end of a winter race. They dont cost much a few dollars for two.
Replace one or both of your hatch boards with a clear acrilic one it will let more light in in the day and wont absorb water. Indoors in the same temps and damp I would be wearing 4…5 layers on top...with a fleece jacket on the top and three longsleaved garments. Tip fishermen and police MC riders in the absence of thermal Or merino wool base lakers will wear large size ladies tights under their trousers...cord is good winter leg wear...
I know the wood stove can be a pain to clean but it would do a good job of reducing the humidity levels and condensation inside the boat. It also will pill in relatively drier air from outside
I wonder why that heater can’t cook you out of there? I have a Dickinson propane heater but havent used it yet. I plug in one of those heavier duty metal Home Depot heaters. And I can’t bear it if it’s on too long. Too hot . I like it cool. Wanna trade heaters. LOL. However, I think there only $40? I’ve read lots of the comments yes, I agree, YOUR EDITING ROCKS! especially your choice of music!!! Thanks for sharing.
get a small kerosene heater for the real cold nights or mornings . I live in a Tayana 55. I use a large one in front of the companionway cracked to vent it . On a cold month you’ll spend about two hundred bucks
Why is it that you are not sailing your boat to points south for the winter? The best thing about living aboard is that you can move your home any time. You can choose your own weather.
Yes we seal the vents just to prevent the draft! And we don't generally use the wood burning stove because it doesn't vent very well, it likely needs some modifications to help it burn well and put smoke out the top. At the moment it tends to leak smoke out the sides and it requires a lot of wood to get it hot. With the benefit of shore power, our electric space heaters are a preferred option for now. In the future we will likely consider some other options!
@@BlueMoonLife You should try the presto logs, I cut them into 1/3 they burn hot and don't leave as much ash, I put but in 1 piece and warm the place up in the morning and not waste it.
@@BlueMoonLife hey talk to Rek and Devine from 100R (they're in your marina I'm like 90% sure) and get their tips/advice on the woodstove, they had one installed last or previous year and I know they had to do some funky modifications to get it to fit and work correctly! here on land I'm living the woodstove life for the first time in my new (rented) tiny house, and wow, they're *wonderful* when you get them going well. I never want to go back to electric space heaters (well, other than when I wake up at 7AM and it's freezing in here because I haven't figured out how to overnight it... lol)
Why not use your wood stove? You can also buy a shorepower adapter to utilize another 30 amp dock outlet. It allows you to go from the dock outlet to an extension cord and then through your hatch to a heater or whatever... I also have an electric blanket. It's crucial.
Do you guys have an oil heater, it will keep the boat warm and dry. I put one in my daughters Bristol 40 in the winter in San Diego, nice even adjustable heat. She never had it above the lowliest setting, in a 40’ boat even when it was 40-45 deg. outside. I realize winter is colder where you are but it will keep the boat dry and you toasty.
You should consider a diesel heater. I use one in my Catalina 27 (liveaboard) and it works great. It sips power, the boat is dry as a bone and super warm. They're under $200 on Amazon and there's hundreds of videos on RU-vid. Check them out!
@@MegaTriumph1 I never had an issue with excessive smoke. Actually the only time there's any smoke at all is at startup for about a minute and the same at shutdown. That's with diesel straight from the pump with no additives. Your milage may vary.
Yes I have an old Dickenson diesel stove in my boat. I plan on living aboard when I finally get rid of all my land stuff, but in warmer climates.I have an old Leaky Teaky Formosa that is still seaworthy.
A full skisuit is the most simple solution, just keep your body temperature. And make it a styrofoam door in your cargo bay, trying to reduce the space you have to heat. Question: do you have a gym close by, it is the best shot in this lifestyle, good shower and a lot of exercise it will keep your mind and body very well, just avoid busy times, covid is everywhere. Good luck, very nice videos Thank you.
Hi! I'm your dock neighbor aboard Pino, we use a woodstove for heat on top of a little electric heater. We didn't realize you were aboard these past couple of weeks, we never see any light. Would you like some company? We're often meeting other folks from the marina for coffee or tea, would you like to join us sometimes?
Hey Devine, thanks for the message and for the invitation! We have been travelling a bit recently, but will be back aboard soon! Our videos run a little behind... we’d be happy to visit sometime this spring! You guys have a lovely boat!!
Hi I just found your channel. I see your diet and I wonder how you store your food & what vitamins you take ?. I have a great deal of "liveaboard" friends in ham radio (amateur radio ). All of us talk daily, have you two thought about getting your licenses ?, thanks & Happy new year. Kent kj4ww
Cork is excellent for insulation and works great on steel as long as its stuck down well it prevents condensation and rusting. Its also durable and safe ...ie non toxic and fire resistant.
Yes we are super happy with it! There's a couple minor additions we would add on (like maybe making compartments in the chest storage), but in general we love the layout :D
To live in 30 feet sailing boat is a torture,i have a 2y experience.in 30f yacht is much better spezial if you have a Webasto hitting system,.dry warm and no diesel smell.
@@BlueMoonLife I had the strainer for the engine crack. I think it’s a good idea to insulate it.Most of the cool air I feel,is around the engine. I think it will keep the inside wormer and quieter outside to
How about closing off the Vberth off during the day, or put a heater in said berth and work in there with it closed off? Again I can send the heater that we used on our boat. I can’t stand the thought that you are cold all the time.
Why in the world don't you cover your vents on the wooden doors of your entrance way...you can see all the light coming in...also oil heaters work best for boats...safer too
You people don't have a clue! I can go In most mud flats and get 100 pounds of clams quick in 2 hours. With head light do 2 tides. Money or food easy 100 to 400 a tide lol 1tide a day is over 3000 a month working 2 hours a day . Or eat the clams
