Lithium in Winter: Design for the Cold, Not Around It

Winter cold strips away both lithium's perks and lead-acid's simple charm—so stop designing around what your batteries promise in summer and start building for what they'll actually deliver when the temperature drops.

By
Drew Frye
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Ice buildup and frozen mooring lines are obvious winter hazards, but the hidden threat lies below deck. Cold temperatures cripple battery performance and leave unprepared cruisers without heat, engine start, or electrical power. (Photo/ Drew Frye)
Ice buildup and frozen mooring lines are obvious winter hazards, but the hidden threat lies below deck. Cold temperatures cripple battery performance and leave unprepared cruisers without heat, engine start, or electrical power. (Photo/ Drew Frye)

Winter temperatures are challenging for year-round sailors. Appropriate clothing is vital, including waterproof socks, layering for the legs and midsection, finishing off with a balaclava, hat, and even ski goggles. The boat requires winterizing. Inboards are challenging to winterize if actually used, and ice in the potable and waste plumbing can break fittings even in occupied boats if any piping wanders through unheated spaces (or the heat is off). The electrical system seems like the simplest part.

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Drew Frye
Drew Frye, Practical Sailor’s technical editor, has used his background in chemistry and engineering to help guide Practical Sailor toward some of the most important topics covered during the past 10 years. His in-depth reporting on everything from anchors to safety tethers to fuel additives have netted multiple awards from Boating Writers International. With more than three decades of experience as a refinery engineer and a sailor, he has a knack for discovering money-saving “home-brew” products or “hacks” that make boating affordable for almost anyone. He has conducted dozens of tests for Practical Sailor and published over 200 articles on sailing equipment. His rigorous testing has prompted the improvement and introduction of several marine products that might not exist without his input. His book “Rigging Modern Anchors” has won wide praise for introducing the use of modern materials and novel techniques to solve an array of anchoring challenges. 

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