Boat Winterization

[bscheper]

All this forum reading about boat winterization is making me nervous. I used to remove drain plugs and all hoses and pour antifreeze down the hoses to winterize. At the end of the day I had beat up hands and a sore body from leaning over the engine compartment. I did this for the first eight years owning the boat. A couple years ago my dad gave me a winterization kit. Basically a 5 gallon jug with a hose and fitting to attach to the flush muffs. Now I just warm the engine on water to open the thermostat and them change over to the jug hose and suck in the antifreeze. Towards the end of the jug I fog the engine through the carb. I no longer remove plugs or hoses. This has worked with no problems for the past couple years. Why don't more people do this? I saw several posts where boat mechanics charge extra for winterizing in cold weather. Why wouldn't they just back the boat up to a barrel of antifreeze and start the engine? Or use the same method I use? Am I doing something wrong???

 

[Don S]

Re: Boat Winterization

If you have a raw water cooled engine, you might want to open the block drains and check the antifreeze. Normally those kits with a bucket of antifreeze don't get circulated all the way thru the block as fast as it goes out the risers. You may only be protecting your manifolds and not your engine block.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Boat Winterization

There is also more to winterizing. You might want to search past posts for more info.<br /><br />For example:<br /><br />1. Pull up cushions to keep moisture from building up in storage areas.<br />2. You can put some baking soda inside to keep it from getting stale smelling.<br />3. Pull lifejackets, etc. and store in a dry place.<br />4. Good time to change the oil, check plugs, points, etc. (if you have points).<br />5. How about your trailer? Pack the wheel bearings, check the brakes, check for rust.<br />6. I like to put the trailer on jackstands. Just enough to get weight off the tires. There are thoughts that standing in one spot for a long time leads to premature tire failure.<br />7. How about checking all fluids and make sure they are topped off.<br />8. Use a fuel stabilizer to keep it from gumming up over the winter.<br /><br />I'm sure someone can add to the list, but a little time going over your boat before the cold weather can really make your summer much more enjoyable.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Boat Winterization

603 Elk,I have used the exact method for the last 10 years with great results.It saves me plenty of time and trouble.To make sure the stat stays open I make sure the antifreeze is left in a warm place and I mix it with warm to hot water.I got the kit at West marine when they first became available for only 24.99 and I highly recommend it.Charlie

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Boat Winterization

Glad this system is working for you guys.What type of antifreeze are you using?<br />A GM v6 cooling system holds about 4 gallons,and I don't think a 5 gallon supply of RV is enough to flush well enough.Maybe you don't see -5 temps?<br /><br />DHP

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Boat Winterization

DHP,I dont see temps like that but once or twice a winter ,but below 10 degrees at night for a week straight is not uncommon.I mix 3 gals of auto af with 2 gallons of water and the af begins coming out the exhaust after it is about 1/4 used up.5 gals seems to be plenty.I am more concerned with the af displacing the water in the motor than if it fills the motor and manifolds completely.As long as all the water is out,there is nothing to freeze.Charlie

 

[garycinn]

Re: Boat Winterization

Originally posted by crazy charlie:<br /> I mix 3 gals of auto af with 2 gallons of water and the af begins coming out the exhaust after it is about 1/4 used up.

CC,<br /><br />Please tell us that you use poly glycol auto AF (such as Sierra or Prestone Low-Tox) or you are catching auto ethyl glycol in a container (and recycling appropriately) as it spews out the exhaust. <br /><br />For a minute, reading between the lines, it appeared as if you were condoning poor environmental practices.

 

[pra100]

Re: Boat Winterization

Winterizing?<br />I haven't had time to winterize.I have had boat on lake to much to winterize.My boat is in heat attached garage.It was 78 here yesterday and no wind so spent 8 hours on lake.Glad I live in Oklahoma.<br />Thought i would see if i could stir something up.

 

[djvan]

Re: Boat Winterization

Phil,<br /><br /> When do you get to go ice fishing?<br /><br />DougV><br /><br />1 degree this morning

 

[pra100]

Re: Boat Winterization

About the only way I could ice fish would be to drop my hook in my ice chest.Crapie sure were bitting good though.Won't take the boat out today.Windy and a cold 37.

 

[rickyp52]

Re: Boat Winterization

I've done it this way (hose and muffs)for the last three years with good results. I use -100 RV antifreeze. Though it may be overkill, I put 10 gals of antifreeze in the tub. The exhaust starts to run pink after 3 or 4 gallons, but I continue to run it through until all 10 gals are gone to be sure it gets all the water out of the block. The marina where I dock the boat does it using a large metal tub filled with antifreeze to immerse the outdrive. I was nervous that first winter also, but it seems to work fine. It sure saves a lot of time and effort.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Winterization

For the Last 30 Years or so, <br />I've been Draining Everything,... Dry............<br /><br />No Fozen Blocks to date.....................

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Boat Winterization

Originally posted by Philip A.:<br /> I live in Oklahoma.<br />Thought i would see if i could stir something up.

Don't you guys get tornados down that way in spring? That would stir something up! I'll stay here and settle for earthquakes.

 

[16Pilot]

Re: Boat Winterization

I stay in MD and put up with 2 or 3 cold months. Better than my boat ending up a couple of blocks away in someones living room. LOL<br /><br />Anyway, I used that kit and was not impressed at all. It did not seem as though the antifreeze worked its way through. my engine was getting to hot as if it was not pulling enough coolant through the muffs.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Winterization

It did not seem as though the antifreeze worked its way through. my engine was getting to hot as if it was not pulling enough coolant through the muffs.

Didn't you Just Replace a Trashed waterpump..??..<br /><br />That would explain This Issue..........

 

[16Pilot]

Re: Boat Winterization

it was not trashed yet I dont think, but you probably right Bondo. I have not put the new one in yet. As you know I am kind of new at boating so I did not know any better I ran it 3 three weeks ago dry for 20 or 30 sec and burned the pump up. Maybe I will try the kit next year. It cost 50 bucks so it better work. You said to put vaseline on the new impellor before correct?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat Winterization

Ayuh......That's what I use..........