How many cracked blocks this winter?

[PiratePast40]

With the south in a deep freeze this winter, wondering how many cracked blocks we'll see when boating season gets going. I'm sure there were a bunch of folks caught off guard since they normally never even think of winterizing their boats during a "normal" winter.

Also wondering if the aftermarket engine people are ramping up production in anticipation of a high demand in the spring or will it be many people just letting their boats sit and not bothering to fix them?

 

[Bart Sr.]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Also wondering if the aftermarket engine people are ramping up production in anticipation of a high demand in the spring or will it be many people just letting their boats sit and not bothering to fix them?

Or selling them to some unsuspecting newbie.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Ayuh,... Cracked Block season usually runs from early April to the 4th of July here at iboats....

We'll see....

 

[Don S]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I think this season will start as soon as it warms up to about 60? in Florida and the boats start hitting the water again. Then a bunch of those guys that laugh at us every winter will be singing a new tune this year.

 

[Bondo]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Ayuh,.... 31? in Ft. Meyers last night,....

 

[mikeneal]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I wonder how cold it has to be for couple hours to freeze a block. I am in west coast (Tampa Bay) and got to 28 here last night for couple hours. I don't think anyone here ever winterizes. (I know I don't). Thought about putting drop light in bilge, but forgot. I knoe a couple hundred pounds of cast iron does not col off super fast, just wonder what the timing/temp has to be for short bursts below freezing.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

As a newbie to boating and this being my first winter with a boat, I have drained the water, added antifreeze, and kept a small heater positioned in the engine compartment (overkill, I know)...and the boat is in a garage. Call me anal, but there is no way I will be a victim of a cracked block in spring!

@Mikeneal, I wish you the best. Hopefully it was not cold enough for long enough to cause you any problems. Several factors could have helped or hurt your chances. Was your boat outside or did it have some protection from the wind. The more that cold air circulates in and around the motor and drive, heat will dissipate more rapidly (wind chill effect). How warm was it during the day prior to the freezing night? If it was 60F for most of the day, that is better news than 35F all day. That, too, could mean the difference between crack and no crack. Good luck and let us know what you find.

It's been in the teens and low twenties here for the last week or so...has broke some cold records for this area! I moved south from CT to escape this crap!

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

i drained my block ( got a few qts out anyways)-tuned on the hot water heater and turned the cabin heat to 52F (water temp)- the boat is well covered in a slip and the block sits low under water level. fresh air vents taped shut.
we have been in the teens some.

I'm not too worried but it is in the back of my head...

 

[cr2k]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I have been thinking it gonna be a good year for boat shops.

I do hate the fact that many will sell their known problems to poor unsuspecting newbies. That just ain't right.

I have a few private clients that I have been telling they need to come in for winterizing but I think they just thought I wanted more $$. So when spring comes around we'll see what tune they are singing.

Oh well, hey I can pull a MC engine in 15-20 min. including the drive. Got that down.

 

[Philster]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I wonder how cold it has to be for couple hours to freeze a block. I am in west coast (Tampa Bay) and got to 28 here last night for couple hours. I don't think anyone here ever winterizes. (I know I don't). Thought about putting drop light in bilge, but forgot. I knoe a couple hundred pounds of cast iron does not col off super fast, just wonder what the timing/temp has to be for short bursts below freezing.

28 degrees is a measured air temperature somewhere. Many surfaces, such as metal, will actually sit below the air temp, so your block was probably colder than 28 degrees and below freezing longer than the air temp was.

Anyone familiar with frost and freezes (ya know, us folk farther north) knows what it's like to walk outside on a 38-degree morning and see frost, frost crystals and ice crystals on car windshields and metal surfaces. The air temp is 38, but many surfaces are below freezing.

So, being that the trend this year is for the jet stream to dip down to Florida and consistently bring temps in the 30's, I'd figure out a way to winterize right now, because if you got lucky already, you are really pushing it now.

 

[ENSIGN]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I really don't want to sound negative but I don't think to many people will be able to afford to fix there toys

 

[betayv]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

here in south florida been really cold like saturday was around 31-35 and rain all day sunday night went down to 31 some places south of miami went down to 26, yes we saw ice on the roof of cars or on winshields. I just hope my boat is ok is on a yard where is very windy I will take a look this weekend, by the way how can I inspect to be sure everything is ok.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Some sailors boat stored at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

 

[Northernbob]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

We had a very early cold snap here, the cracked blocks wont show till spring, but I bet there are lots.
This is the reason I purchased my boat in December, PO got caught, new engine should be ready tomorrow.
Can spring hurry up a bit!!!

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Some sailors boat stored at Pensacola Naval Air Station.

What the heck is going on there? Where did all of the water come from to freeze on the OD? And why is the ice only on the bunks on that other trailer?

Sure hope that guy drained his block!

 

[rbh]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

What the heck is going on there? Where did all of the water come from to freeze on the OD? And why is the ice only on the bunks on that other trailer?

Sure hope that guy drained his block!

That may be the only draw back to a boat cover, I wonder how much waters got in the leg???

 

[Bondo]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Ayuh,... It appears there's an overhanging roof involved...
I'd bet good money that the lower unit is now Junk....
Shoulda left it Down, so it could drain...

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

Now might be a good time for a "Cracked Block" or "Freeze Damage" sticky.....

 

[marlboro180]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

What the heck is going on there? Where did all of the water come from to freeze on the OD? And why is the ice only on the bunks on that other trailer?

Maybe like spraying water on the crops to keep them from freezing?? Too bad it is not an orange...

 

[madurodave]

Re: How many cracked blocks this winter?

I think I am ok. But I am POSITIVE it would have cracked. I pulled the drain plugs on the block, the left side drained quite a bit. The right, not so much. I poked a nail and moved it around to remove any obstructions but no more draining.

I told myself (not knowing better), oh well, all the water must just be on the left side of the engine. Right before I put back on the engine compartment, I decided to fire up the compressor to be SURE! Glad I did! as soon as I delivered a shot of air up there, quite a bit of water starts running out of the block. Some of the dirtiest water I have seen.

so, I hope all is well but glad I went back with the air or I would have been in trouble too!