OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

[John_S]

I am considering leaving my boat moored for the month of September into the beginning of October. It is in the southern Adirondaks of NY and will certainly see some below freezing nights. It is possible even a sustained below freezing day or two. I would like to be safe, and not sorry. Is it OK to pull all 5 drain plugs with the boat in the water? I am concerned about setting up a siphoning effect, especially the lowest one on the inlet water line. Also, once drained, I am considering re-installing the plugs, to prevent my possible forgetfulness or another family member starting it up and not knowing what those little blue things are they are sitting on! d


Engine/Drive: '97 "K" serial number series, 5.7L Alpha 1 Gen II.

 

[SteveNix]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

It shouldn't be a problem pulling the plugs while on the water. But at the same time, the water will need a good 24hours of just bellow freezing to freeze under the dog house. You're call. sounds more like a PIA then anything.

But there's always a chance...

 

[John_S]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

Steve, I can't chance it. We were up there for the first full week in August, and we had some nights dip to low 40's, high 30's in neighboring areas. I normally go to about mid-Sept. By October, snow in the air, or even a good dusting is possible. With my luck, I'm sure if I don't drain it, it would condem the area to the worse cold snap in 50 years! :'(

 

[tommays]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

you should think about getting the water out the P/S cooler also if you think you will get a real cold snap

Tommays

 

[Chris1956]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

John, Do you have access to some AC power? I "wire" a standard heating pad (40W) under my oil pan. With the inslulating effect of the doghouse the boat is good for a night with freezing weather. Also, remember the water is above freezing and that "warmth" will permeate the engine comparment via the LU and by virtue of the fact that a bit of the motor is under water.

 

[lrlima]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

I think I would just have to move. That's waaaay to cold for August....d

I would drain the water just to sleep better.

 

[John_S]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

Chris, we have a outdoor GFI outlet that we run an extension cord off when needed. Not sure if I like to leave a heating pad on like that when it will not have anyone around to keep a close eye on it. If the GFI tripped or area power was lost (common with the first snow), I'd be up the creek.

Tommays, good point. Thats on the inlet water line, high by the back of the engine, correct? If draining that low point in the hose, doesn't create a siphon, I thought that the water in the P/S cooler would flow back down to the water level of the lake. If there is a drain at the cooler, I haven't used it during prior winterization, but boat was out of water and drive removed. If there is one there, I would be able to open it first, and prevent the possible siphon at the lower one. Pulling a hose for winterization is no problem, but I'd prefer not to do it for this prevention, unless its the only way.

Lrlima, but when its 100 degrees and humidity is almost the same, back home, it is the best place in the world to be! Actually temps haven't been too bad this year, but the rain we have more than our fair share.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

most mercs use a 3/4 inch seawater inlet, the easiest way for cold weather protection,especially ones that stay moored is actually very simple and involves a bilge pump,5 gallon bucket some 3/4 inch garden hose some wire and gator clips.
first remove the seawater hose from the thermostat or heat exchanger inlet, attach a piece of hose to that hose and run it overboard, then hook some hose to the bilge pump and enough wire to make it to a ground and a 12V positive source.
now fill the five gallon bucket with you favorite mix of NON_TOXIC RV type antifreeze, run the hose from the bilge pump in the bucket to the inlet on the t-stat housing or heat exchanger inlet, reinstall all previously removed drain plugs. then start the engine and attach the bilge pump wires to the battery source. when its all gone shut off the engine and restore the boat to its ready to use condition.
some oil coolers will still require manual draining as most are mounted between the transom and engine raw water inlet.
but its imperative to drain the raw water from the block before using the AF mix or you will most likly blow five gallons of AF through the risers and get none in the block.
not only will it help about freezing it has corrosion inhibitors and keeps oxygen from aiding in corrosion of internal cooling passages.
every year we get two or three broke blocks cause the owners relied on electricity to keep the engine box warm.
this year we only got 5 broke motors and none we had winterized.

 

[MrBill]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

Here's an easier solution if you have access to AC power...how about a dipstick engine oil heater. They're inexpensive, easy to use, and offer great protection for the type of application you're talking about. There are hundreds of models, they are usually used in cold climates for easy starting, particularly with diesel engines.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/...tom-0/p-2005402/N-111+10201+600001648/c-10101

 

[rodbolt]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

if you rely on electric power to protect your very expensive toy, get a written warrenty from your power company that covers interuptions in power.
or protect it from worst case and be happy.

 

[8AteEight]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

Ive also stuck a 60w trouble light inside the doghouse for 2 cold nights. Worked so far at ~25 degree nights.

 

[John_S]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

Rodbolt, when I winterized before, I did use that hose and BanFrost 2000 which is a low tox w/rust prevention. Even has a stern drive picture on it. Used a different procedure but accomplished the same thing. I did reclaim almost all of what was in the engine and manifolds. Reclaiming it on the lake would be PIA. The block/manifold/hoses should only be dry for a month.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

I for one, agree with Rodbolt!

Do NOT rely on electrical power to protect your multi-thousand dollar engine!

Drain or fill the engine with anti-freeze. It's your only sure protection other than parking it in a heated garage.


regards,

Rick

 

[John_S]

Re: OK to pull drain plugs while boat in water?

I do appreciate all input and suggestions.
Just to be clear, I will not be using any electrical method, or for that matter any external method to heat the engine or components. This area is somewhat out of the way, and when power goes out, it usually takes some time before it comes back on. No automatic generator at the camp. If it was docked at my house and I am there day to day, electrical methods "might" have been a possible solution. For this short period, at a remote location, I will be using air for the prevention method.