Alone in a Snowstorm | Winter Boat Life on a 30ft Sailboat

Snowstorm warning!! I was solo this week, and this is the most snow that has ever fallen on our little sailboat home, and this time it stuck! Living on board a sailboat keeps us close to the weather, but we had never seen something like this. An arctic airmass brought unusually cold (freezing) temperatures and turned our marina into an icy-winter-wonderland!
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For anyone new to the channel, we live on a 30 ft sailboat full time and recently moved to an off-grid moorage the summer months! This means that we get all of our power from the solar system or by running the Diesel engine, and we have to pack in all of our water and food using our little dinghy with an outboard motor. Blue Moon is a 1978 Catalina 30 sailing vessel which we acquired in 2020. One year later we decided it was time for a road trip and built out a 1998 Delica to drive across the country. Now we live aboard the boat full-time, take weekend trips in the van, and explore this beautiful world.
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[@farriswilliams553]

I always love videos I see on this channel because they are always energetic and full of adventure, adventures are always good for the mind it’s too bad that most times lack of finance makes them virtually impossible

[@farriswilliams553]

That’s nice, most times to be successful in life we all need professional guidance and assistance, please tell me how this mr Robert guy helped you improve your financial situation

[@ronaldadrian6800]

Robert Andrew is such an amazing guy, the level at which he knows his way around the financial market is just so astonishing, my only regret is that I didn’t know him earlier

[@angievarona4497]

This is the third time this month I’m seeing mr Robert Andrew in the news for doing a good job, well deserved accolades to him 👏

[@fuzzywuzzythebackyardigans2283]

You could explore the woods for free and get to learn about the ecosystems and specifically sit still long enough to notice the bugs going on about their life and how everything is hidden in plain sight

[@ohhdah5219]

Shovel? Broom?

[@wayneanderson1641]

Snow is good insulation

[@robertparkinson6919]

Wind rain snow any weather is an adventure. As a 74 year old live aboard even staying warm through the winter is part of the trip. No surrender!.

[@michaeleavenson6880]

Thanks for sharing

[@andymadden6848]

wow u so well done

[@green7city]

멋진 인생인데.....

[@garylouderback4338]

I dont see why you don't use the snow as water source your on an ocean and sailboat to sail to warmer climates

[@gregorydamario7977]

Hose water. I had a potable water white hose for my boat drinkage. However, I also purchased a Home Depot single canister water filter that attached to my hose then filtered the dock water and subsequently squirted it into my water jugs and on board water tank so that it was clean and tasted good. Let me explain how potable water works. In Florida, my state, Counties have potable water pumping systems that supplies water to the municipalities who in turn supply it to private entities such as marinas. In a perfect world, the water is pristine. Not. Have you ever unscrewed the filter on your bathroom sink and observed the black scummy crud that has accumulated there? Even if you have removed the filters from your faucets, which you SHOULD, when you run your drinking water, if you swirl your finger around the faucet opening, you will dislodge black crud. Lots of systems, not flushed and cleaned properly. SO, do not squirt marina water directly into your jugs or tanks without yourself first putting it through a filter in which you have confidence. The water is probably better than perfect when it leaves the pumping station, but it travels through lines that might or might not be properly flushed or cleaned before it gets to you. Filter your own water.

[@1951RKP]

I have been a live aboard for 21 years. Have been through many of these winters with snow and ice. Our docks are floating and have covers over the boats. We have ice and snow so heavy I was afraid it would roll the dock over due to being top heavy. The marina is good about having dock hands shoveling the roof. They push tons of weight off of it. So much snow on the bow of my 43’ Searay cruiser would be down about 8” which is a lot of weight. I guess about 2,000 pounds possibly more. You can’t just allow snow and ice to pile up on boats because they will become top heavy. I’ve gone through the dock water freezing so you have to stay on top of it. The hose gets so stiff you can’t bend it in fear it may crack. I just let mine lay out straight. I blow the water out of the hose after use. As far as heat inside no problem keeping the inside warm. I do have a generator in case the marina dock power goes off. It’s a life you either love or hate. There’s about 5 other year round live aboard boaters on my pier and we all watch out for each other. Probably about another 20 boats with live aboards at our marina. 1,000 boats here overall. Marina staff are here year round and will do whatever they can to make sure we are all OK during the bad days. I’ve been through a direct hit by a tornado that totally destroyed the dock I was on. Fortunately no one was hurt but a lot of severely damaged boats. Mine was fine except some cosmetic damage. The plus of winter is it’s so peaceful. We have security so it’s safe. Someday I’ll move on but until then it’s just a way of life. I do 100% all maintenance on my boat and a lot of my neighbors. If you’re going to live on one it pays to have a lot of knowledge. I wish I had this young ladies talent to video and edit and I would do a video like this.

[@je7887]

No brush to take the snow off the boat?

[@Hammydavis]

If you’re not moving in your roof can support the snow leave. It is a good insulator. But if you’re getting move the snow, I’ll get a broom not a shovel unless it’s so thick and make sure it’s a plastic shovel

[@soving]

Love the filming here. Timelapse from the dock with the neighboring boats Christmas lights was awesome. Music choice...ok.. just awesome everything. Thanks for making these.

[@bigdaddy-fk5bi]

my life has been filled with loud noise and stress. marines, police officer, business owner, just go go go loud loud loud. i love these moments now. people dont know what being out in this by yourself or someone that also understands can do for your mind heart and soul. the best is silent, falling snow.

[@patraic5241]

Believe it or not the snow itself is an insulator. The temp of snow is 32 or so degrees. Against your boat it will keep that temp slowly melting from the thermal energy escaping from you hull. It's the same physics that keeps an igloo habitable in deep sub zero conditions.

[@leedoulman6027]

Yep been there so truethink this is fake for rich girl from daddy haha

[@scable-eq7bp]

She is absolutely amazing with a camera and the editing is solid gold. Gillian,maybe it's time to spend the winter months in Florida. You already know that you and Jonas are very welcomed at our condo in Key Largo, Florida. For me. this is one of her best videos, great content......

[@olumjumi]

Morning Jillian. I’ve always used a plastic dustpan from the dollar store. Won’t scratch the gel coat.

[@jamesstuart3346]

I did this for 10 years. You are absolutely nuts not to build a cover for your boat. Snow and ice will wreck your gelcoat and your deck and leak inside. Plus the decks will be dangerous. You can build a tent with poly and 1X3s for about $300 and you can re-use the wood year after year. It took me 1 day to put it up and take it down

[@leedoulman6027]

Yes so true

[@Kathleensailorgirl]

Jillian, this video was one of your best 👍 you are living your dream in spite of the storms I pray that you stay safe and warm 🙏💕💕⛵️⛵️⛵️

[@leaveonlywake]

If it stays cold enough to keep it, just dig out right at the portlights to let some light in, otherwise leave the snow on deck as an insulating layer - think of it as a floating igloo. :) Nicely done video, great audio!!!

[@mvlas4385]

Was also the first thing on my mind

[@Mahalo_83]

Snow is heavy and will put the boat under abnormal stresses

[@boomerangfishact6754]

@@Mahalo_83 Not really. The load is very evenly spread out, and the boat is a very robust construction.

[@shawnahansen8597]

I'm impressed the marina keeps the water on over the winter. Our marina shuts off the water until spring and we need to carry in when we stay on the boat. But we don't have live aboards at our marina (part of yacht club) so that's probably the difference! Wonderful video and hopefully the snow/weather is done for the year but who knows! I haven't seen snow like this in years!!!

[@OleensEmbroidery]

Better than TV! KZbin premium is worth every nickel. To be able to watch this beautifully put together video without interruptions.

[@dadejazzba402]

...heard a series of storms are coming ... maybe buy a plastic shovel.🌨🌨🌨🌩🌨

[@lancemichael7566]

A broom would also work well for the cabin top and deck.

[@Me-fm9zk]

Post your own video with a plastic shovel

[@dadejazzba402]

@@Me-fm9zk lib...lol

[@ronnielittlerock7208]

Honestly, the plastic shovel was just good advice, but trolls will troll.

[@howardbeer5214]

Leave the snow as it will insulate the boat and keep the heat in . Just saying

[@MikeSantis]

Next time, don't remove the snow. Use it as insulation.

[@vinceglauser4770]

Where are you?

[@monacurkovic9420]

This video was like a meditation. Calm and friendly. So beautifully done.

[@shawnahansen8597]

Have you thought of making a sunbrella cover for your companionway? We have one that hangs from the top and falls over our dropboard. It is great for extra insulation from the drafts but also protects the dropboard from sun damage. It also helps keep some of the rain out. Not perfect but we find it useful, especially at night to keep the draft out! Pretty easy to make except for the snaps - we had to screw some into the fibreglass cover too but worked out in the end!

[@humblegeorge]

Thank you for thinking to provide us with views we would most likely never see. Cheers again.

[@boathousejoed1126]

We have fancy things here in New England,we call them gloves and mittens!

[@Tom-gs7yk]

Your joking right? So there’s thousands of these videos and some of these comments are falling over themselves saying how great it is. Psssssh, Not seeing anything special here. Cudos to her and her boyfriend who’s behind all the real work lol.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

There is so much at this point in the video 10:20 that I love and I can’t wait to see the rest of it but I had to stop and tell you at this point you are doing some very very nice camera work and I like your editing. Thank you for the hard work and thank you for bringing us along. Now back to your video.

[@GermanGreetings]

You create this unique atmosphere of peace... it makes me sit here, ...finding peace. Young Lady, that`s great. Powerful. Thank you so much !

[@gregbowl2426]

Didn't watch, couldn't get past the clickbait shot of smiling cleavage hair and light. Didn't intend to watch, just wanted to dump on the clickbait.

[@danielclint1033]

You need a child’s small plastic snow shovel and a broom move that snow off deck, just a suggestion. I have been there and done that.

[@graphicventures]

Love the strings [background music] - and the weather. Out here in Dubai its a furnace!! Cheers!

[@raymondnybakk1311]

You need to get a plastic shovel, the aluminum one, destroys the gel coat. This is hard to watch, you obviously don’t know how to take care of a boat.

[@bowmanlegacies]

How is condensation inside the cabin during this time and how do you heat the cabin? Sooo many questions!

[@leedoulman6027]

Yep

[@Mondaynever]

Absolutely wild. Beautifully filmed. Great story. Can’t wait to follow along!!

[@georgehorning7027]

A masterpiece of audio visual tranquility.

[@chevy4x466]

I don’t boat videos need music

[@hsserry5289]

You need to sail this boat south. Say 2-3000 miles to the Caribbean or south seas!😂😂😂

[@dannotte7289]

Invest in a new man😢

[@MikeHannon-jp6po]

Make sure you keep a little air going through due to Carbon Monoxide....

[@RikThomas]

Incredible work. I love the phrase enjoying the calm after the storm. Thank you for sharing your private time and life on the boat!

[@jamescrego5904]

Just a suggestion, keep your water hose below somewhere in your cabin.I ⛵️🇺🇲

[@4Him4u2]

Ads: multimillionaire politicians asking me for money - step off!!

[@Ric613-u1c]

I was a live aboard for 10 years in Seattle. I know the good weather and the bad. It is all just part of the lifestyle. I loved every moment and wish I was still there but life interfered. I was on a 33.5 foot sailboat with wife a two kids and a cat. We all fit just fine 😃

[@jimf6427]

Just wondering where on the planet you were during this storm?

[@pdx_polymath581]

I live aboard a sailboat as well a few hundred miles south in Oregon. We had a week of freezing rain with several inches of ice accumulated. Thankfully I was well prepared as it looks like you were as well. Beautiful video of your local scenery and marina.

[@peterbee88]

Cant say I fancy that too much. To be honest, I think id have planned to sail somewhere warmer for the winter months.

[@astro_jimmy3000]

Didn't know filling up the water could be so interesting 😂

[@belajarus]

Anyone is welcome to answer this question. Does the marina not freeze? All marinas in my area, NH and ME haul out and freeze over during winter.

[@Iamgroot9170]

So peaceful.

[@Velo1010]

Keep the hose inside your boat during the winter.

[@tanyasoroka3314]

A broom dust pan makes a great shovel for snow removal on the deck as it doesnt scratch and its easy to maneuver. I was in the same snowstorm in Maple Bay on my livaboard sailboat too. I kept the snow on the decks and cabin top for insulation as well since it was -20 Celsius. Brrr

[@superformOG]

standing headroom on a 30 footer!, as a 6"2 guy with a 30 footer im crying over here

[@justinbarber4567]

Your mooring lines could be tighter.

[@ChrisSmith-ek3og]

LOL, dragging the feet through the snow!!! Steel shovel on a boat? ugh. the mistakes go on and on

[@leedoulman6027]

For sure we no but she will learn , think this is fake some how could be wrong

[@acriticalvegan6164]

I highly recommend a canvas tarp. I use to take my boom off in the winter, and used a couple of 2x4 from the mast to the back stay and a Halyard to hold up the tarp. had a zipper in the side of it next to the cockpit. i also went over the life lines and i put a couple of clear vinyl windows in it. it was great oversized full enclosure.

[@stevethurlow9059]

also good bungee cords will help with the tarp

[@worldweary1913]

Absolutely, black rubber trucker types with the metal ends. Pinch off the ends with vice grips where they go through the rubber eyelet, keeps them from slipping out when under load.

[@DrBLReid]

Just a wee bit of snow!

[@Scrambler49]

i am only guessing that a snow shovel is something that you never planed on needing on your boat

[@aquious953]

I would do what the city does to avoid frozen pipes on the dock. Cut a 3' piece of that white hose, and attach it to the dock valve and leave it running over into the water. I have a 50' collapsible hose with a shutoff valve. This allows me to store it more easily out of the cold. It would also allow you to fill your water jugs below without having to haul them on deck.

[@MASTER3RDEYE]

I would die for a cup of coffee from a French press but I can’t because of my heart. 😢

[@mrmaunz42]

Theres decaf isnt it?

[@remibelanger784]

May be next winter, you will go to a warmer place than vancouver.

[@largemarge1603]

@remi, Baja!

[@jackdbur]

Get yourselves a heavy canvas or heavy sailcloth tarpaulin instead of that plastic one it won't flap noisily. Adding brush seals to your companion way to stop drafts & you could also fit rubber stick on window seals to the edges of your wash boards. Adding wood frames around your windows with VELCRO on them and 3mm clear vinyl as a inner layer would keep more heat in your cabin. Get yourselves some silicone hose and it will stay flexible in the cold weather.

[@Aptius]

Beautifully shot. I've done van life (as a climber), but even as an ex-sailor I've always wanted to do the liveaboard thing, but never have. You look to be making the most of it - congrats!

[@stevethurlow9059]

next project should be is to cut a piece of 3/4 marine plywood in the shape of your hatch boards with a u-shaped cut-out ( squared) for two swinging doors

[@sailingEV888]

I lived on a Sceptre 36 in Toronto during the winter for 3 years!! I know the pain and the good parts.. I'm happy to say I'm off the coast of Florida as I write this comment! On my way to the Bahamas. Yes big dreams and hard work are posible!!

[@jameshasenfus3412]

You're making me miss my single-handed adventures on my Catalina 30. 🙂

[@annwagner5779]

My bother and his family live in Victoria, so I know this is pretty rare weather there. Glad you got through it so well! Beautiful video. It’s my first look at your channel. Love your work!

[@annhysell6064]

Sorry all, I have to say sticking it out in winter on a boat brings out our best self. Way to go! Hopefully most people have had to struggle a bit..glad you are at a dock & have the luxury of electricity, therefore heat in the cabin. (I'm assuming your marina has showers & head during winter) Your videos are great! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@kgunv]

do you know that snow is a great insulator? look at igloos and snow caves

[@DustDevilRage]

Put some in a cone shaped paper cup and drizzle some artificially flavored and artificially colored juice all over it and it’s a great treat. Don’t recommend yellow.

[@CloudSpirals]

WoW, what amazing footage. Great presentation. You're awesome 🙏

[@itsmePassportBro]

If you have free electricity at dock. Why don't you heat you cabin to 30degrees to keep snow melting...

[@mynameisray]

Alone... In a secure slip.. Gated off.. With security cameras and guards.. But.. Alone... RIGHT...

[@wilfredzielinski5685]

hi just seen your video 1st time its great thank you

[@veemann3158]

This is why sailors, like birds, fly south for the winter!

[@skipperrichman4278]

FYI: if you put felt on the door grooves where you slide your panels in like weather striping it will help to insolate your cabin. Maybe a summer project.

[@smokingkippers1173]

I'm in the cold at the moment so I would've left the snow for insulation. Oh, and laziness, mustn't forget my laziness. Great camerawork, chilled music, A+.

[@colinhogan5469]

I've found with my boat that the snow on deck helps to keep the heat in. Does your boat have a diesel or wood stove? Love your videos and editing. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@montanafreeman1895]

I sweep the snow off with a plastic broom. It’s easy when it’s fresh snow. I’m packing my water to. My pipes froze and broke.

[@darryletillman7995]

Tip, for anything that isn't a flat surface (ie your tarp) spray with Pam cooking oil prior to the storm. Snow just falls away.

[@NellSaintJohn]

Hello Blue Moon from rainy Portland, Oregon! I live on a Buccaneer 250 sailboat and really enjoy your channel 💕

[@waughthogwaugh3078]

A floating igloo springs to mind. In my world having to shovel snow off my boat would be sending me a loud and very clear message. Love your videos and great edits.

[@greglewis2090]

If you were in St Claire Shores , Michigan you could find a slip with a metal roof. You would like the rain dropping on a metal roof, just lower the mask for the winter. Member United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

[@MFuzz]

Gillian, I loved your video. The photography was excellent. I would love to visit that location one day, if I knew where it is located. The sunsets are killers. Might I strongly suggest that if you are going to be outside during/after a snowstorm, you try wearing gloves. Amazing how they keep your hands warm. If its snow, you can bet is is at or below freezing. A basic camping survival skill of keeping your tarp cover tight will help with the flapping noise and help prevent the tarp from tearing in the wind. And I do agree with the other poster about leaving the snow as a thermal shield against the colder temperatures. Great idea. I wish you a warm winter at your mooring and cant wait to see your next video. Good luck and stay safe.

[@MrRedeoarknot]

No way I could live in that crap on a boat. Don't even like it when living in a house. I am in Florida in a boat and some nights is gets to cold here.

[@vincent7520]

Keep a good ventilation even if cold seeps in ! … carbon dioxyde builds up very fast in such a small volume. People would died in their moored boats are not uncommon. Great video BTW. Thanx for posting.🙂

[@mv.alibiii4685]

A deer just another BC Cruiser I don't know if you've tried this but blowing through the hose helps get the water out just a suggestion and oh yeah loving your videos!!!!! 😎😺📽

[@iworkout9522]

I would suggest using a broom to remove the snow if I didn't have a shovel, and pot holders help from getting wet and cold if you don't have gloves. Beware wet warm skin against wet cold metal, it can pull the skin right off.

[@evelynbumpus5608]

How in the name of Jesus are you surviving out there..No shovel broom .do you have doors that close.My goodness 😳 ya got me a lil worried..good luck hun...prayers

[@SIC-SEMPER-TYRANNIS]

Nice! They don't make many women who can handle such a lifestyle anymore....or Men these days... 😂

[@jamesthompson6504]

=that doesn't look like you are alone

[@leedoulman6027]

Yep l was thinking that l sail too with my brother away for months some think is not right about this at all that snow is no big deal just leave it, think most of time this boat does not move much , all for money for watching , my brother and l are laughing at this rich girl with rich family bit fake we feel but all good

[@MrRKWRIGHT]

Good afternoon Jillian . Excellent video with outstanding production values. Absolutely incredible - but of course that's to be expected from a multi-talented offgrid woman such as yourself. Thanks for sharing a look at your life sailing out there in the great outdoors. 😎😊

[@juans3728]

Snow helps to keep cabin warm and on windy days keep tarp from flapping . Do you have wood burning heater for boats very easy to install, Peace.

[@MrSerraangel]

Snow is one thing. Snow and wind together is a whole other ball game.

[@largemarge1603]

'a whole nother'

[@MrSerraangel]

@@largemarge1603 That's a life changer. Thank you.

[@daveward2620]

Looks like your hanging in there. Its been awhile since I've commented but I still follow your channel and enjoy it. I have the Catalina 36 and currently in Bara Mx. wish you guys where here and hope to meet you in the warm country one of these days, Power on and Happy Trails!

[@johndavidson6867]

I lived in Esquimault from 78 to 81 and I don't think we ever got a snow fall like that, most I remember was about 4"(10cm). That was more along the lines of what you get back home with mom and dad. At least there an the coast it usually melts fairly quick. Hope the rest of your winter is much more be-nine, and treats you more in the normal fashion. Take care, Gillian, be safe and stay warm.

[@dlfabrications]

How do you cool your engine? Fresh water Kit? Frozen waters can damage engines and sterndrives. Leaf blowers are great for cleaning snow like in the situation you are in. It can remove snow where you cannot get at.

[@michaelgillespie6526]

Wonderful video, Gillian. As a custodian living and working in Victoria, I missed the beauty in the midst of all the shoveling. Thank you for reminding me to look deeper. Happy New Year to you both.