I think I can do this without shore power. The 12v fan I bought yesterday works great. Cabin was up to 88º last night…. tropical! However, I woke up to 32º this AM. And that is the concern… but I think I can tolerate jumping out of bed, firing up the heater, and getting back in bed for 15-20 mins until the cabin gets up to 60º or so. I think with some more insulation and the winter cover to block the wind, I’ll be able to make it through the majority of the night even on the very cold nights. Fun Fun!
When we lived on our boat (almost 30 years ago), one winter live-a-board always put a jacket on his boat. He had a heavy canvas cover with a sort of drawstring cinched around the waterline. (just above) He hung everything he could find from the rail along with his fenders which created an air gap of insulation between canvas and hull. It was an excellent way to reduce winter condensation and keep the boat warmer. (so he said) Heavy snow was the biggest problem as he didn’t have the frame pitch steep enough.
Your ‘winter living adventure’ is almost as enjoyable as your sailing trips! (how are you keeping the batteries charged?)
Yeah winter living is always fun to write about, cause it’s just so ridiculous. Little things become very exciting… like 12v fans. Takes you right back to the simple things in life, such as basic survival. Also fun to juxtapose spending the day at the cafe drinking overly expensive lattes and making websites on my way-hipster MacBookPro with my curious Wacom tablet that EVERYONE has to ask me about, with the basic necessities of life, heat and survival.