Winter Boating in Freezing Temperatures with a Ranger

FishOff

FishOff

Member
Joined
Jul 30, 2025
Messages
10
Fluid Motion Model
R-31 S
We have a 2020 R31 Sedan Northwest Edition. We have it in Northern BC on the ocean. This will be our second winter with it and we are hoping to take it out during freezing temperatures (0C or 32F) for a few days at a time.
Does anyone have experience doing this? In particular with the fresh water system. It would be nice to have running water and the full bathroom.
I am not sure how well these boats are insulated and if the Webasto heater will prevent freeze ups while away from the dock.
Any advice is appreciated 🙂
 
I've used our boat frequently in the winter but I've always drained the fresh water system before the freezing temps start.
 
I'm in Seattle so not a lot of really cold weather, but we took our R29 out in 4F and it was super cozy with the webasto running. The stern shower is susceptible to freezing, but the rest of the fresh water system is either below the waterline or inside where there is heat. Only thing we found was that it started raining inside because of the condensation.
 
I've done a few trips in freezing temps in the San Juans. The best thing I did was install shutoffs ball valves for the exterior transom shower, and exterior sink (I installed them next to the hot water heater). I blew out the lines with air (using an adapter and a compressor), and then shut the ball valves. This allowed me to keep the water flowing in the warm interior of the boat, and not worry about the outside lines freezing. I also made sure to winterize (with pink antifreeze) the exterior saltwater wash down, not as important because it's salt water, but made me feel better.

I've done this for two years and it's been great. Unfortunately I don't have the PNW version, so I don't have a webasto, so our winter boating is usually somewhere that has shore power. Someday I would like to add a webasto to give me more freedom.
 
calcman05 said:
I've done a few trips in freezing temps in the San Juans. The best thing I did was install shutoffs ball valves for the exterior transom shower, and exterior sink (I installed them next to the hot water heater). I blew out the lines with air (using an adapter and a compressor), and then shut the ball valves. This allowed me to keep the water flowing in the warm interior of the boat, and not worry about the outside lines freezing. I also made sure to winterize (with pink antifreeze) the exterior saltwater wash down, not as important because it's salt water, but made me feel better.

I've done this for two years and it's been great. Unfortunately I don't have the PNW version, so I don't have a webasto, so our winter boating is usually somewhere that has shore power. Someday I would like to add a webasto to give me more freedom.
Click to expand...
Good idea with the isolation ball valves. I'm gonna do that too! Thanks.
 
gswearin said:
I'm in Seattle so not a lot of really cold weather, but we took our R29 out in 4F and it was super cozy with the webasto running. The stern shower is susceptible to freezing, but the rest of the fresh water system is either below the waterline or inside where there is heat. Only thing we found was that it started raining inside because of the condensation.
Click to expand...
Thanks Gary. I will add a dehumidifier to my plan 🙂
 
calcman05 said:
I've done a few trips in freezing temps in the San Juans. The best thing I did was install shutoffs ball valves for the exterior transom shower, and exterior sink (I installed them next to the hot water heater). I blew out the lines with air (using an adapter and a compressor), and then shut the ball valves. This allowed me to keep the water flowing in the warm interior of the boat, and not worry about the outside lines freezing. I also made sure to winterize (with pink antifreeze) the exterior saltwater wash down, not as important because it's salt water, but made me feel better.

I've done this for two years and it's been great. Unfortunately I don't have the PNW version, so I don't have a webasto, so our winter boating is usually somewhere that has shore power. Someday I would like to add a webasto to give me more freedom.
Click to expand...
That's a good idea. I will add those valves in. Thanks!
 
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