Heat of course, but the freeze thaw freeze cycle is very hard on varnish,
teak trim & decks, but the worst thing to watch is the plywood structure
under the fiberglass superstructures and decks delaminate from freezing.

Most boats are poorly insulated, they are drafty, old wooden boats seem to
fair the best.

I no longer live in Alaska,and enjoy the tropical areas of Puget Sound and
the Canadian Gulf Islands for Winter cruising. I like to head north though
in late Spring and return in early Fall.

Hope this helps answer your question.

Pat Harman
M/V Meriwether


"Justin C" wrote in message
e.com...

What makes a boat a "high latitudes" cruiser? It's a term I've seen a
few times and I'd like to know what makes it different to a "blue water"
cruiser.

Justin.

--
Justin C, by the sea.