De-winterizing

[Wolfboy]

So we recently purchased a 2008 R-25. The boat is in great condition with 100 hours on the engine (a Yanmar 110) and less than an hour on the generator. The previous owner didn't get the boat out this summer so it's still winterized from the 2017/18 winter. I don't think I'll be taking it out this year, so when it comes time to get it to the water next spring, what do I need to do? I'm used to winterizing and de-winterizing (if that's the word) our travel trailer but this is obviously quite different. What do I need to do to get the antifreeze out of the fresh water system and sterilize it? Can I just pump it out dockside or should I do that from home where I could dump the old antifreeze down the drain? And is there anything else I need to be on the lookout for with it sitting for so long? I've run boats before but this is the first one I've owned so my learning curve is near vertical, but I have 6 months to study up.

 

[NorthernFocus]

Actually for the potable water system there's nothing different than the RV. Except that there is no grey water tank. So if you are de-winterizing someplace where you can't let the glycol hit the ground you'll need to catch it somehow.

 

[DBBRanger]

As was said, the fresh water system is similar to an RV.... and with the same issues of getting the hot water tank clear of any antifreeze. The supply tank is difficult to flush totally so you will probably have to flush a few times unlike an RV tank that can be totally emptied. Otherwise, do that same as you did with an RV. The engine should not be an issue - open the sea cock and start. I assume you have A/C since you have a generator. No issues there - again open the sea cock and turn it on. However, be sure there is water running out after you turn it on since the pumps used are not self priming. Do not continue to run if there is no flow. Generator is same as engine - open sea cock and start. Of course my comments are for when you are in the water. It's more difficult if dewinterizing on land. Be sure you know that a biodegradable antifreeze was used if dewinterizing on water.

I'm sure your questions are just starting - keep 'em coming!

 

[Wolfboy]

Thanks for the responses. A couple more questions: First, the previous owners have a light on a pole mounted inside the cockpit on the starboard side that looks like it plugs in somewhere, I'm assuming to put out when anchored up somewhere but I haven't found where it goes yet, any ideas? Second, I wasn't able to get it covered before the first snow and now the cockpit has a layer of ice on it. I wanted to pull the batteries and put them in the garage on a trickle charger or top them off once a month but I haven't been able to get to them, will they be alright if I can't get to them until spring or should I expect them to be toast? I could hook the boat up to a generator and plug into shorepower later this spring if that's all that is needed but I don't know if I would be wasting my time or making things worse. Third, I did get a tarp over it but it is stored outdoors and it recently got down to about -18 for a few nights. Will extreme cold like that do any lasting damage to impellers or other things that I should plan on replacing before I ever get it to the water?