Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

[Robertpel9]

OK, i am sick of missing the odd 60 degree day and over the next month we are going to start to have more sunny days in the high 50's and low 60's here on Lkae Norman.

I have a wetslip in my neighborhood without a lift so the boat sits in the water. I pulled it in late October and had it winterized and put away.

There is still a strong chance that we will have below freezing nights over the next 6-7 weeks but it only take me about 5 minutes to pull plug on each side of the engine block and the plug in each side of the exhaust.

Provided when i am done using the boat each time during the rest of the cold season I pull these 4 plugs can i use the boat without having to worry about causing damage. It is a 1995 Chris Craft with a VP 4.3GS/SX engine/drive??

I'll probably use it every 1-2 weeks for the next month and a half until mid march then at least weekly after that.

I want to make sure i am not missing any other protective step. Right now i have it fully winterized but I am starting to think that is a waste.

Please advise,
Robert

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Ayuh,...

Other than pulling the Big Hose off the circulating pump,...
That's what I do every Fall,.. Up til Ice-in...

Go for It,... Why waste 1/2 the season,....

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Do i need to pull that hose too or are the plugs enough?

 

[Robertpel9]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Ttt

 

[chiefalen]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Poke the holes with a wire to make sure rust don't block the holes when draining is all. Some use a screwdriver, i use a stiff wire.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Do i need to pull that hose too or are the plugs enough?

Well,.. You don't Have too,...

But,.. The waterpump housing will hold about a Quart of water,...
And,.. If you don't drain it,+ try to start it frozen, the belts won't turn, cause the waterpump can't turn...

The backing plate on the waterpump will provide abit of Flex when it freezes,...
Although I can't believe it does the rest of the pump any Good freezing it repeatedly...

 

[J JACKSON]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

if you have a power steering cooler you need to drain it too

 

[180shabah]

Re: Can I get away with just removing the drain plugs the rest of the year in NC

Pull the hose - after you get it off the first time, it will be easier to repeat if you use a little "lubricant" when you put it back together.