Currently living aboard in Annapolis -- this is our first winter here after 5 years in Great Lakes. Here''s what we''ve learned so far:
Jack''s right about condensation. We have 2 space heaters, one oil-filled and one forced-air; the latter helps dry things out somewhat. We also have insulated the most offending of the hull lockers with 1/2-inch of styrofoam, and put everything susceptible to water damage in ziploc bags, our best friends in the pantry. We also blow a circuit breaker if we have both heaters maxed out and we try to use a power-piggy toy like a hot air popcorn maker or electric coffee pot. ("Give it up and use the
stove, girl!" "I know, I know, but the electricity is free and the propane isn''t!")
Sanitation is another winter issue as many pumpouts are turned off. Unless you or someone you know has their own portable
pump, your options are: Electro-San (expensive), use marina bathhouse (occaisionally inconvenient), the bucket system (unaesthetic), or overboard dumping (illegal).
If you tarp over with clear or translucent plastic, on sunny days it can be warm enough to have a drink in the cockpit in the afternoon, a real treat after weeks confined below deck.
A few more hassles than summer or warm climate living aboard, but still FAR superior to living on land! As Jack said, it''s what you make of it!