Wet Winterization

[Dublinpup3]

Hey guys I’m winterizing my 36ft Trojan tricabin in water this year. Wondering if anyone might have any knowledge on the best circulator/aerator to use for a shallow under 5ft river in the North East. Also what size a might need 1/2, 3/4, or 1hp.

 

[Scott Danforth]

talk to the marina where you slip your boat.

 

[Dublinpup3]

Unfortunately I’m at an all volunteer yacht club and I can’t get a whole lot of info. I know there are about 4-5 other boats that stay in the water, but haven’t run into any of those guys. All I was told is there is a bubbler system in place and I need an aerator. I’ve asked everyone I can find and emailed Kasco, however they recommended buying to units and I think that’s excessive for the area I need.

 

[wahlejim]

My .02... Two units is reasonable. I would rather be too excessive than not enough. If nothing else, if one fails, you have a backup. Cheaper than repairing freeze damage. Also talk to the yacht club and your insurance company to see who, if anyone, will cover damages if power goes out.

 

[alldodge]

Suggest a submersible pump and place in a plastic egg crate. Then attach what ever is needed to hold the crate under the water even with about the depth of the hull. Add PVC pipe that will extend to the edges of the hull. Can then add a thermostatically controlled switch to turn it ON/OFF, or just manually plug in when needed

Don't know how your docked, but should get the idea

Something like this one
https://www.ruralking.com/pump-sump-3-4hp-ci-ss-sub-vert

 

[Nomayab2]

As others have said, talk to the locals. I am on the bay, Middle River. When I wintered in the water at a Yacht Club, the dock master saw to it that the boats were docked near each other to maximize the circulation. Another problem will be that when it freezes up, the wind has been blowing from the NW for awhile and the water has blown out of the upper bay.

 

[Ned L]

My first thought was two also. That shallow and you really are better with two units.

Keep in mind that the way bubblers and ‘ice eaters’ work is not by agitating the water,
. They work by bringing “warm” water from the bottom up to the surface. (This is a flaw in the diagram above.)

While growing up we kept our family boat in the water year round (Sandy Hook area of NJ).

 

[alldodge]

Maybe a flaw and maybe not, has worked around here for many years with others boats (mine kept on the hard). I'm in fresh water so it will freeze easier then salt. The OP may get colder then us, but my area is under 12 feet deep during winter and have seen ice around 2 feet and was doing fine.

In the ocean the thermocline is well past 100 feet, in a lake its around 25 feet, so don't see the warm water having a lot of effect.

As with all things on any forum this is just my opinion

 

[Dublinpup3]

thanks for the advice looks like in an attempt to save some money I just cost myself even more. Seems to happen a lot when your new to boating. Anyways thanks for giving me real advice wish I asked sooner, unfortunately the bridge I need to get to the harbor is under repairs and I was out of the country at the end of the season so I’m commited to keeping it wet all winter. Fortunately I live close to the yacht club so I can check on frequently.