Lack of planning - winterization questions

[dsiekman]

Okay, I know, I know. I should have expected the weather not to cooperate. That said, I typically winterize around Thanksgiving and hadn't planned on it getting this cold just yet. So here's the problem:

1. I don't have a trailer for this boat and the guy who is going to pull and block it can't do any better than a week and a half from now. It is supposed to be a low of 33 friday night. Do I suck it up and spend $300 on an engine compartment heater or will she be okay?

2. I tried to get my holding tank pumped out two weeks ago when I got fuel but the pump out was broken. The head was only used about 4 times. I think my tank is 20 or 30 gallons. Do I just let it sit or do I need to find a plan B?

3. Regardless of the engines, should I try to winterize the plumbing before she gets pulled?

Thanks

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

If the weather stays above freezing and the boat is still in the water you should be fine. Even if the temperature hits 32, the water is a big heat sink and will protect you a little.

 

[Alumarine]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

Just drain the water out of the engine/manifolds/oil coolers and don't worry about it.

Holding tank should be ok.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

Okay, I know, I know. I should have expected the weather not to cooperate. That said, I typically winterize around Thanksgiving and hadn't planned on it getting this cold just yet. So here's the problem:

1. I don't have a trailer for this boat and the guy who is going to pull and block it can't do any better than a week and a half from now. It is supposed to be a low of 33 friday night. Do I suck it up and spend $300 on an engine compartment heater or will she be okay?

2. I tried to get my holding tank pumped out two weeks ago when I got fuel but the pump out was broken. The head was only used about 4 times. I think my tank is 20 or 30 gallons. Do I just let it sit or do I need to find a plan B?

3. Regardless of the engines, should I try to winterize the plumbing before she gets pulled?

Thanks

Short term a few 100 watt light bulbs are way cheaper.

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

Don't stress it. Next week will be fine. Your boat is setting in water that is at least around 45-50?F so the engine will not freeze whether it gets in the low 30s or 20s. Just put on your camper cover and relax. I have had snow sitting on my boat for a week before it got pulled and winterized. If your engines were above the water line then maybe some concern. You fresh water system might be a different story if it was to only get to say 40 for a high and in the low 20s at night. But once again if you have your camper cover on, the sun will heat the cabin area and keep everything warmer.

If you are really worried, just put an electric space heater with a tip over switch on the floor of the head, set to lowest setting and leave bathroom door open. You can also flush some pink RV anti-freeze down the head and run it through your fresh system there at the dock. Be sure to run it through your transom show too.

Also you can just run down to the docks and run your engines for 10 or 15 minutes and that should hold enough heat for a few days too.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

Okay, I know, I know. I should have expected the weather not to cooperate. That said, I typically winterize around Thanksgiving and hadn't planned on it getting this cold just yet. So here's the problem:

1. I don't have a trailer for this boat and the guy who is going to pull and block it can't do any better than a week and a half from now. It is supposed to be a low of 33 friday night. Do I suck it up and spend $300 on an engine compartment heater or will she be okay?

2. I tried to get my holding tank pumped out two weeks ago when I got fuel but the pump out was broken. The head was only used about 4 times. I think my tank is 20 or 30 gallons. Do I just let it sit or do I need to find a plan B?

3. Regardless of the engines, should I try to winterize the plumbing before she gets pulled?

Thanks

Ayuh,..... It's been down in the lower 20?s over the last few nights around here,...
Below 32? for maybe 5, 6 hours total, then into the 40?s...
My boat is still floatin',... No problem,.. smaller boat, 'n the hull draws heat from the water it's in...

If it were Me, 'n I expected colder temps soon,...
I'd drain anything, 'n everything that's drainable like the motors, domestic water etc...
Drop it in the bilge, 'n pump it out...

Then run a gallon of antifreeze through the head to pickle the holding tank...

Then not sweat it....

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Lack of planning - winterization questions

Thanks guys. I feel much better, although I'm thinking more seriously about picking up a yard trailer.