From the boathouse: Weathering the SoCal warmth

Only in Southern California can we decide between boating or snow skiing in the middle of winter.

Remarkably, due to the warmer temperatures, I am still noticing recreational boaters cruising Lake Arrowhead when I visit our cabin.

However, this is not what I experience while skippering yachts along the Pacific coast this time of year. I have traveled to the Northwest to deliver yachts to a warmer southern port in the winter. Sometimes-freezing conditions present boating challenges never experienced in Newport Harbor.

When was the last time you were concerned about your vessel’s stability because sea spray was freezing and building up on your decks and handrails? When was the last time you had to chop off your docklines to disembark because they were frozen solid to the cleats? When was the last time you had to hand-carry jugs of fresh water to fill your boat’s 90-gallon tank because the marina’s water supply lines were drained to prevent freezing pipes?

That said, Southern California did feel the impact from the recent storm that brought us a little rain — and lots and lots of wind. The gale forces rated between 8 and 9 on the Beaufort scale and gusts reached over 40 mph.

The high winds damaged some boats, and this is usually due to snapping or chafing of the mooring lines. Many boats sit idle in the water this time of year, and the weather can be at its worst, so you must check your mooring lines during a storm with strong winds. Most likely, your mooring lines will need adjusting, replacing or adding extra lines, and you need to pay particular attention for chafing around the cleats or anywhere the lines make contact on the boat.

Now is the time — before the next storm — for you to trade out worn lines and install chafing gear where the lines touch a hard surface. Be certain you have the correct type of line and the proper diameter to secure your boat. I always add a few extra spring lines this time of year to help absorb some of the stress. If you’re on a mooring can, use an extra helper line, along with your primary line, plus, as I mentioned, chafing gear.

On a positive note, the weather and sea conditions are looking good for sailing this weekend, and any storm system should stay north of Southern California. You can expect sunny skies and daytime air temperatures in the low-70s. The ocean swells will build by the end of the week with a peak of 5 feet from the west and then drop a foot for the weekend, with a small, 1-foot swell pushing up from the south.

Keep in mind that we are, to some extent, protected by the Channel Islands, which help deflect the swells heading in our direction from the west, and from the north after passing Point Conception. Those venturing into the outer waters can expect the seas to build over 5 feet from the west.

While you are outside enjoying our weather, do not miss the spectacular sunsets. Views can span from snowcapped mountains to Santa Catalina Island.

Tip of the week: Watch out for all the “stuff” that is flowing down into Newport Harbor and out to sea from the recent rains. What I call the “garbage inventory” builds up and then is flushed down the storm drains and channels into the harbor and ocean. I have noticed the storm drain screens, but you still need to be aware of what ends up in the gutters.

After the rains, boaters are at risk with this floating debris that can damage propellers and be sucked up by cooling system intakes. I usually notice the scum line in the ocean extend a couple of miles. If you are going to cruise along the coast, then head further out to sea — past the noticeable color change in the water from brown to green or blue.

As always, just keep an eye to the weather for any changes. Please be boat smartly and safely. Lastly, please boat responsibly and look behind you before you turn the wheel at the helm.

Safe Voyages!

MIKE WHITEHEAD is a boating columnist for the Daily Pilot. Send marine-related thoughts and story suggestions to mike@boathouse.com or go to boathousetv.com.