Winterization Process in Water

[pescador]

This will be the first time I’ve kept my boat in the water all winter at the marina. I’ve done quite a bit of research so far and the winterization process does look a bit daunting. Fresh water systems, raw water system, live bait well, drains, sump pumps, hot water tank, bilge, strainers etc. It’s a lot to manage. Maybe once I’ve done it it’ll seem simple. And of course there’s the 100 engine service on top of this (which I plan to do).
Anyway, I’m looking for ideas on how people who leave in water, manage the process. Things specifically like; do you leave on a heater? Any concerns about fire? What about outboards, how do you get antifreeze into tell/tale impeller etc? What about a cover, do you run lines under the boat to secure it? Do you always fog your cylinders? If so how?

 

[tubber]

Mostly unrelated, but we had a binder with a long list of steps to winterize the family cabin. It made the process easier and faster each year. Guess who lived closest to the cabin?

 

[pescador]

Mostly unrelated, but we had a binder with a long list of steps to winterize the family cabin. It made the process easier and faster each year. Guess who lived closest to the cabin?

Ya, I’ve started one. It’s long and detailed and I haven’t even started Winterizing yet.

 

[Rain City]

This will be the first time I’ve kept my boat in the water all winter at the marina. I’ve done quite a bit of research so far and the winterization process does look a bit daunting. Fresh water systems, raw water system, live bait well, drains, sump pumps, hot water tank, bilge, strainers etc. It’s a lot to manage. Maybe once I’ve done it it’ll seem simple. And of course there’s the 100 engine service on top of this (which I plan to do).
Anyway, I’m looking for ideas on how people who leave in water, manage the process. Things specifically like; do you leave on a heater? Any concerns about fire? What about outboards, how do you get antifreeze into tell/tale impeller etc? What about a cover, do you run lines under the boat to secure it? Do you always fog your cylinders? If so how?

I drain the fresh water lines and leave the taps open at the stern shower and sink. When it gets really cold I leave the engines in the water. Other than that, just run the boat often. I do run a small heater on low in the boat, just don't run long crappy extension cords to it and don't turn it to anything higher than the lowest setting. Get a quality one that's made for this purpose.