Winterizing

[jhk1959]

I am a new boater & am evaluation storage options for my boat. I live in the western suburbs of Chicago & am wondering if I should store my boat in a heated storage unit & if I do so, do I still need to winterize the engine?<br />Thanks!<br />John

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Winterizing

If you have a raw water cooled system, I would say yes, to protect from freezing.....JK

 

[wvit100]

Re: Winterizing

What if you have it in a heated storage unit and the power goes out in a storm for a day or two? What would protect it from freezing then?

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Winterizing

wvit100 raises an excellent point. Again I say if you have raw water cooling- Winterize....With FWC make sure you drain the seawater side & make sure you have the proper 50-50 mix of anti-freeze.....JK

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Winterizing

I believe that the Volvo Penta 2.3L engine in my 1993 Wellcraft Excel 18' has both sea cooling & a radiator. I need to get a manual for this engine so I know for sure. <br />John

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Winterizing

Hey Captain, definately a good idea around here to put antifreeze in the block (or in your case the sea water side system "just in case". By the way, where do you boat in this neighborhood??

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Winterizing

Ron,<br />We just purchased our boat 3 weeks ago & have not yet taken our maiden voyage. We might take her out this weekend but have no idea where to go! Any ideas for a new boater?<br />Thanks,<br />John

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Winterizing

Ok...dumb qiestion...for winterizing purposes, wherre does the antifreeze go? How do you get it into the block? Do I need to run the engine with a hose connected to it? Where do I connect the hose? What would a marina charge for this service? If they do it, is there any guarantee against damage?<br />Thanks,<br />John

 

[KM2]

Re: Winterizing

Kapt. Kirk,<br /><br />I would winterize for the power outage possiblility as mentioned already. As I see it, you have two options take it to dealer/marina and pay for winterization. OR Do it yourself with the help of iboats and your owners manual/shop manual. It's not that hard to do for someone who is a little handy. <br /><br />To quote another member " A dry block can't freeze" <br /><br /> Just drain all the water out and forget about the hassle, mess, time and enviromental issues with putting antifreeze in your boat.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Winterizing

KK ,check the "Engine FAQ" section for winterizing,it will spell it out for you.Wish I could find an affordable indoor storage here on Long Island.Charlie

 

[fryman5]

Re: Winterizing

I agree with KM2. In the north we just drain the block and let it go. I have done that every year on my I/O and have had no problem. I store in a non-heated garage.

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Winterizing

Captain, my email is vatter41 at aol dot com. Send me an email and I can give you some suggestions. I am going out Sunday weather premitting for one of the last rides of the season. I also suggest getting a marina to service the maintenance items and winterize your rig. The winterizing and maintenance things are not terribly difficult if you are comfortable wrenching but until you are familiar with the details of what your rig needs its not worth saving a 100 bucks or so for a damaged drive train.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Winterizing

I would suggest you winterize yourself. Do a search on this forum. It is not just making sure there is no water in the block to freeze. <br /><br />There are a number of other items you probably want to do at the same time. I use it as the time to change the oil, fog the cylinders, put stabilizer in the gas, pull the battery so I can charge it, put baking soda under the cover to keep it fresh, take weight off the tires (extends trailer tire life), clean the spark arrester, etc.<br /><br />There have been a lot of posts regarding this. If you search you should find them.

 

[jawzzy]

Re: Winterizing

Jack L: I'm curious baking soda under "what cover"? and how much? thanks!

 

[jhk1959]

Re: Winterizing

OK...I checked my sterndrive...where do the muffs go for flushing the motor? I believe that the Volvo engines should have the hose hooked up on the left side for water intake...I don't see a water intake on either side. Am I looking in the wrong place?<br />Thanks,<br />John