Phil Fill
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 11, 2007
- Messages
- 2,919
- Location
- US
- Vessel Name
- Eagle
- Vessel Make
- Roughwater 58 pilot house
Being a live aboard in the Pacific Northwest requires some winterizing to make the boat more energy efficient, comfy and warmer.* The biggest improvement to the Eagle was the diesel boiler heating system which keeps the Eagle at 70 degree 24/7, nine months of the year. The second big improvement was canvas for the stern and pilot house which keeps the rain and wind off/out.* In the PNW maxing the clear plastic usually done to let in what little day light there is and also cuts down on the mold/mildew. **The third biggest is installing plex a class over the pilot house and salon windows, which keeps the rain off, reduces the draft, makes the boat quieter, and warmer.* The cheapest and easiest is a quilt my wife made to hang over the stair way between the pilot house and salon to keep the heat down in the salon, but allows enough so the pilot house is not to cold.*(Picture attached)*I also have 1 1/2 foam insulation sheets on top of the of the pilot house and salon roof to keep the cold rain off and it also helps to hold in the heat as there is 0 insulation in the roof.*
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We have carpeted the entire boat except for the galley, which has a throw rug to help keep the floor warm as the bilge is not heated and the water is a constant 55 to 50 degrees.* Although the marina does freeze over for a couple weeks each year and the marina turns off the water, so having a 400 gallon water capacity does help which can last up to 3 weeks. Also the power has been out several time for a couple of days so having a energy efficient and low amp demand is also required.* Many newbie live a boards do not make it through the winter as not many boats are PNW winter live aboard ready.* The Eagle certainly was not when we bought her, but after about 30+ grand of improvements she is a very comfortable long range PNW live a board. **
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We have carpeted the entire boat except for the galley, which has a throw rug to help keep the floor warm as the bilge is not heated and the water is a constant 55 to 50 degrees.* Although the marina does freeze over for a couple weeks each year and the marina turns off the water, so having a 400 gallon water capacity does help which can last up to 3 weeks. Also the power has been out several time for a couple of days so having a energy efficient and low amp demand is also required.* Many newbie live a boards do not make it through the winter as not many boats are PNW winter live aboard ready.* The Eagle certainly was not when we bought her, but after about 30+ grand of improvements she is a very comfortable long range PNW live a board. **
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