water in bilge and sub freezing temps

[bpmcl00]

i just drained my block and got it put up in my driveway till i can find a more permanent solution for the winter, i noticed that the boat still has an inch or two of water in the bilge that the pump cant reach. also the boat is at an angle so that the water is running upwards in a very narrow channel in the hull. wil this water be a threat, tonight is supposed to be freezing temperatures.

 

[jevery]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

I wouldn't think it would damage anything, but I always try to store with the tongue high enough so that all water drains out the plug.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

get the tongue high, remove drain plug, rip a t-shirt in a strip about 2 inches wide 18 inches long, wet the strip, and insert enough of the strip to get to the bottom of the boat, and let the rest hang. it will work like a wick, and get every bit of water out of the boat.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

yes i tried to crank the trailer up as high as possible that way to let it drain out the plug hole. but my drive way is such an awkward angle that it idnt work. i guess i will have to try the t shirt trick.

 

[mthieme]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

My driveway has a slight downgrade to it. I have to raise the tongue up just past my hip (I'm 6'4") which I don't like. While I don't have any water in the bilge, it's a little flimsy and I've got small grand kids that are around frequently. Fortunately, the past two seasons, a friend of mine who has 8 acres has let me use a parking spot each winter.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

lucky for you. My only other option (when the homeowners association starts btching) is to pay 50$ a month for storage. but so do most of you guys agree some water in the bilge and in the hull wont be too bad for sub freezing temps for a night or 2

 

[maxturbo]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

I pretty much have the same problem. Cant get all the water out even with the tongue high. What I've done is poured windshield washer fluid in it. it'll prevent the water from freezing. If it works on a car, should work on a boat. my 2 cents.
Than in the spring just hose it off. Does a good job cleaning the bilge too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

OK, let us go back a minute. what is the enemy of stringers and foam? Water, you need to get it out. the longer it stay there the great possibility of damage.

you can build a stand for the tongue, with just 3 2x4's, put it under your tongue, and then you train the kids not to go there.

one like this will do the job, and the t-shirt thing really works.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

i just drained my block and got it put up in my driveway till i can find a more permanent solution for the winter, i noticed that the boat still has an inch or two of water in the bilge that the pump cant reach. also the boat is at an angle so that the water is running upwards in a very narrow channel in the hull. wil this water be a threat, tonight is supposed to be freezing temperatures.

Get the water out. Water expands when it freezes. Set up a jack under the trailer tongue & raise the boat up to let the water run out thru the drain. Don't forget to block the wheels.

 

[dingbat]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

In a large open area like a bilge there is nothing to be concerned about.

I use my boat through out the winter and constantly have ice in the bottom of the bilge and on the deck a lot of the time for that matter. My hull has not split open, the gel coat has not cracked, and I've never had a ice related iissue with either one of my bilge pumps.

I wouldn't worry about it as long as the float switch isn't restricted.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

the freezing is not what i am getting at. it is the water standing around the stringers and foam.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

yes what im talking about is in the bilge there is a little channel that runs under the flooring inside the hull im not sure if it runs the whole boat or where. but there is some water in this channel/ tunnel/ space inside the hull of my boat. i guess i will take some 2*4's and prob the trailer up and try to drain as much as possible before long term storgae. then again i figure all boats that are sitting in the water the whole winter probablty have this too. the water is minimal in that the bilge cant suck it up.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

Why not hitch up, pull into the street, drain the water and put it back in the driveway.

 

[bpmcl00]

Re: water in bilge and sub freezing temps

thats my plan. problem is i cant get to it till this weekend. and freezing tems are next 3 days. ill just have to wait and see. im sure ill be fine.