Dealing with cold temps

[The Masons]

We are leaving from the north end of Kentucky Lake for parts South this Sunday and just got a weather alert that temps will dip to around 29* Saturday night. I don't think the temps will stay down for long, but I am a bit concerned for the engine and water system. I am considering either running the motor late Sat. night (and the generator as well, plus the water heater), or running a Heater Buddy out in the cockpit. We were curious how other folks on the Great Loop or Tenn-Tom deal with this sort of thing? Thanks for the advice.

 

[knotflying]

I don't think 29 degrees for a short period of time is going to be a big deal. It will take a long time for water to freeze aat 29 degrees and get to the point of expansion. Have fun on your cruise. We also started at Kentucky Lake on 10/16. We are on the TenTom now heading to Heflin lock in the morning. We found staying near the locks in the morning with a 7 am start seemed to time the locks well. We have been able to do between 3 to 4 a day at a nice pace of around 7 knots.