Winter Boating: Can You Take Your Jet Boat Out in the Winter in San Diego?

For most people, the end of summer means pulling their boat out of the water and storing it away until the next boating season. However, if you’re fortunate enough to live in a mild climate like San Diego, you can enjoy taking your jet boat out all year long, including winter boating. Here are some of the wonderful benefits of sailing the seas in the winter and some storage tips for when you’re ready to pack it in and wait for warmer days.

Winter Boating Can Be a Blast

San Diego is a hot spot destination for all things ocean. From fishing to surfing to sailing, people come from all over the country to enjoy the activities these waters have to offer. The coastal city is also popular for its mild climate, which means you can expect sunny, 70-degree days in January and leave the heavy winter coat at home. If you’re a jet boat fanatic, winter is also the perfect season to get on the water without having to dodge huge crowds of tourists.

Although the air temperature might be warm, don’t be fooled into jumping in for a quick splash. Waterskiing and tubing are definitely off the table unless you want to wear a full wetsuit, but day cruising and checking out some of the city’s amazing coastlines are highly recommended. You might also be able to bump up the throttle a little bit and enjoy some extra knots since you’ll likely be one of the few boaters out there.

Check Out the Wildlife

As sea creatures migrate to different waters, you’ll be able to see a diverse spread of wildlife during your winter boating. This is a great opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to try to out new bait or unveil a new fishing tactic. The winter months are also the best time to catch the ocean giants up close and personal.

Every year, more than 20,000 gray whales make a 10,000-mile round-trip voyage from Alaska to Baja California for the females to give birth. Luckily for San Diego boaters, the whales swim directly along the coastline, making it an ideal place to see the parade. This is the perfect activity for all ages and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to truly encounter the majesty of the ocean.

Keeping Your Boat in the Water During the Winter

Unlike other popular boating areas, San Diego’s mild climate means that you don’t really have to worry about ice or frozen marinas, which is a big concern when it comes to winter boating. If you want to keep your boat close at hand for those unbelievably nice days, a good option is to store your boat in the water throughout the winter. That way, you can squeeze in a few more days of use throughout the season without having to go through the hassle of getting your boat back in the water.

However, you’ll still want to make sure your boat is properly protected throughout the season when it’s not in regular use.

Proper Boat Storage and Upkeep

Once you’re ready to pack it in until summer rolls around, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to properly store your jet boat. If you decide to leave your boat in the water until the summer, the worst thing you can do for your investment is to neglect it.

Wind, rain, and crashing waves can all do a number on your equipment if you wait until July to come back and check on it. At a minimum, you should come out to check the condition of your boat at least once a week and ensure that everything is in tip-top shape. Of course, you’ll need to cover your vessel with a boat slip, but simply protecting the exterior isn’t enough. You’ll need to go through a few involved steps when it comes to winterizing your boat.

Winterize Components

Even if your boat won’t be in frozen waters with ice slushing around it, you still need to think about winterizing the components of the vessel. The engine, battery, AC units, and water systems all need to be prepared for dips in temperature and harsh weather conditions. Some standard steps to winterizing your boat include:

• Keeping the battery charged
• Checking the drains, portholes, and seacocks for leaks
• Changing the motor oil

Following these guidelines will help to protect the value and performance of your boat in the coming months. Additionally, you should find a professional to service your boat and perform reliable maintenance for every season.

At M2O Marine, we have an extensive showroom of boats for every enthusiast and we specialize in winterization services. Speak with one of our experienced technicians today to learn more about winter boating or to discuss your storage options.