Boat Winterization

[getbent]

Just wondering what other guy's do to winterize their boats.
Probably a bit of a dumb question...
I guess what I mean is for your I/O, especially if you want to keep fishing for the winter and you trailer your boat.
As you wait for the semi nice days to show and it is cold like it is now...what is the best way to keep your motor safe but still ready to go out when you get the chance?
I don`t have the option right now of having a small space heater or light bulb in the doghouse as the boat is stored in a buddies field.

Cheers,

Getbent

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

if its fresh water cooled, drain the raw water out of your heat exchanger. You need to know if your manifolds are freshwater cooled and if not, they need to be drained as well. Store it with the leg down. Its not a bad idea to drain your fresh water tanks as well and maybe pump some non toxic antifreeze through your system.

Fill the dam tub!

 

[profisher]

For the manifolds I would just have pre-mixed antifreeze in a barrel and just run the engine with the leg in the barrel to get the mix into her. Cover up the barrel after use and re-use the next time you take her out.

 

[ReelAffair]

I run plumbing A/F through the manifolds , that way when I want to use it I just flash it up and away I go..rather than using regular antifreeze and have antifreeze going into the Ocean or drains and storm sewers...I even did this up North in -30 weather.

 

[Sangstercraft]

Here is the BEST list I've found on the topic:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=178695

 

[profisher]

I think min his original post he's looking for a quick way to protect the engine and allow for periodic use all winter. A day long procedure doesn't suit his application.

 

[getbent]

That is correct Profisher...thanks for the tip

 

[nedarb2]

dry heated storage [8D]

 

[cheech]

Saltwater does not freeze. If you run the boat 1/mo you s/b good.
Keep fuel tanks full add methyl hydrate and stabil. Spray WD 40 everywhere. Big tarp with good air flow keeps inside dry. Pull batteries and trickle charge to keep fresh. You are only an hour ready time from the water. Works for me.

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

quote:Originally posted by cheech

Saltwater does not freeze. If you run the boat 1/mo you s/b good.
Keep fuel tanks full add methyl hydrate and stabil. Spray WD 40 everywhere. Big tarp with good air flow keeps inside dry. Pull batteries and trickle charge to keep fresh. You are only an hour ready time from the water. Works for me.

wooow dude, dont give advice if youre not sure. salt water definately does freeze, make no mistake.

Fill the dam tub!

 

[Charlie]

quote:Originally posted by Island Fish Lifter

quote:Originally posted by cheech

Saltwater does not freeze. If you run the boat 1/mo you s/b good.
Keep fuel tanks full add methyl hydrate and stabil. Spray WD 40 everywhere. Big tarp with good air flow keeps inside dry. Pull batteries and trickle charge to keep fresh. You are only an hour ready time from the water. Works for me.

wooow dude, dont give advice if youre not sure. salt water definately does freeze, make no mistake.

Guess what..."salt water definately DOES FREEZE, make no mistake"!

 

[cheech]

Yes saltwater will freeze. When was the last time you saw ice on the west coast? Ah never... What about all the boats that sit at harbour all winter? Tell me those guys have somehow blown the sea water out of their manifolds and h/e, then loaded them with anti freeze?!
By your reckoning, you are saying is that there will be A LOT of boats with sea water related problems next year? Right?
Even with that brutal stretch last winter my system worked. Lucky? I guess but I paid attention in science class too.

 

[Island Fish Lifter]

quote:Originally posted by cheech

Yes saltwater will freeze. When was the last time you saw ice on the west coast? Ah never... What about all the boats that sit at harbour all winter? Tell me those guys have somehow blown the sea water out of their manifolds and h/e, then loaded them with anti freeze?!
By your reckoning, you are saying is that there will be A LOT of boats with sea water related problems next year? Right?
Even with that brutal stretch last winter my system worked. Lucky? I guess but I paid attention in science class too.

Your boats probably in the water,right? If not, youre lucky. I deal with people who think the same as you every spring. When it happens to you, Ill come out for 50$/hr. to repair.

Fill the dam tub!

 

[Charlie]

quote:As you wait for the semi nice days to show and it is cold like it is now...what is the best way to keep your motor safe but still ready to go out when you get the chance?
I don`t have the option right now of having a small space heater or light bulb in the doghouse as the boat is stored in a buddies field.

quote:What about all the boats that sit at harbour all winter? Tell me those guys have somehow blown the sea water out of their manifolds and h/e, then loaded them with anti freeze?!
By your reckoning, you are saying is that there will be A LOT of boats with sea water related problems next year? Right?

There is a big difference whether a boat is in or out of the water during a freeze! If I had my boat “setting” on a trailer in a buddy’s field, it would be “winterized” and “fogged”, period! I guarantee those “manifolds” are subject to freeze and I also guarantee if that engine is not fogged, your valve job will probably be $2000+ come spring! Been there done that!

IFL... you need to raise your rates? It is travel time and $80+ down here!

 

[Battle Bay]

Dont put methyl hydrate in your alum boat tanks!!!!! it produces an acid in the tanks!!!!