winter use

[craig stevens]

i live in victoria bc. i just bought my first inboard so i have to ask. i use my boat all year round. 76 24' fiberform cuddy, twin 165 hp mercs. the boat will be in use most every weekend so what should i do for it occasionally get below freezing here. would a block heater work or a heater in the dog house. any advice would be appreciated. also any ideas on where to get manuals on this boat and power package.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: winter use

Are the engines close cooled or raw water?......
Are ya in the Straight Juan De Fuca or in fresh water?......​

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: winter use

Here is a free link for your engine & drive......
It is a full GIG, so be prepared for some download time.....
http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/Service/Cruiser/Servmanl/02/cover.pdf......​

 

[wallydc2]

Re: winter use

If your system is cooled by raw water it would be in your best intrest to remove all drain plugs and make sure you insert a piece of wire in each of the holes (drain holes lie) to ensure all water escapes. This may be a pain in the @$$ during the winter months but your time is much cheaper than a cracked block!

 

[180shabah]

Re: winter use

.....but your time is much cheaper than a cracked block!

Or two, he has twins. OUCH!!!!

Agree with the above, drain the blocks and manifolds(if RWC) and the drives will self drain in the down position.

 

[craig stevens]

Re: winter use

thanx for the links and advice. there are raw water cooled and it is the juan de fuca. what does the wire do. i was unable to get anywhere with the links, it keeps saying the page does not exist.

 

[180shabah]

Re: winter use

There is rust scale in the block that will block the drain hole. Poking the wire in there opens it up. Keep doing it until no more water comes out.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: winter use

thanx for the links and advice. there are raw water cooled and it is the juan de fuca. what does the wire do

The wire makes sure that the draining points don't prematurely clog from scale before they are completely drained.....
Use an awl or something stout when you think it is done draining.....