I Don't Want to Winterize! Your input please.

[Boatagain]

So I awoke the other morning at home, stumbled into the bathroom and noticed that the outside thermometer was reading 33 degrees F! 33 degrees!! First week of October? Sheesh, gimme a break.

Here's my dilemma. Some of you may remember that I just took delivery of Tug Dawg in mid- September. The fam and I have been enjoying the heck out of her...it's too soon to think about putting her away for the winter!

I'd like to keep her in the water, cruising on weekends, as long as I can. Fall boating around the Chesapeake can be spectacular and we don't mind a little cold weather as long as we're comfy in the cabin.

My question to the forum: How long can I get away with this without damage to the boat? I'll use a bubbler once the weather really turns cold, but what about the boat's other systems? Is there a sort of partial winterization that I can do to protect the vulnerable water systems in the cockpit? To my (limited) knowledge the hot water heater, raw water wash down system, holding tank and (I think) parts of the fresh water system are all in the cockpit and vulnerable to freezing first. Perhaps the air conditioner water supply as well, though that system can also provide heat so I'd like to keep it operational. No doubt I'm forgetting other items as well.

If I sound confused and a little delusional, it's because I am. I'm all ears and would welcome any suggestions or input, including telling me I'm out of my mind and should haul the boat and winterized it yesterday!

 

[coreychamness]

I am struggling with the same thoughts. I have purchased a diesel heater since it can work even if shore power is out. I am considering electric bilge heaters.... Just seems such a shame to have to shut down :-(

 

[Spinner]

I have an electric "engine room heater" which is certified to be down in the engine area. It has a fairly powerful fan, and a thermostat that turns the heater on at 45 degrees, and off at 55 degrees. I have shut-offs in the bilge for the fresh water cockpit sink. The valves allow me to drain the lines between there and the faucet.

In the cabin areas, I run two of those round West Marine units that blow slightly warmed air continuously. They run to keep the cabin temp slightly up and prevent mildew.

I open the doors to the under sink areas in galley and head.

So far, so good!!

 

[Irish Mist]

I winterized the A/c and the toilet and get the holding tank drained, and winterize the water systems. When I use the toilet I dump in antifreeze to flush. I bring water in jugs and boil water for hot water to do dishes. I wired a couple of sockets in the engine room and have lightbulbs I leave on for heat. The electric engine room heater sounds like a better and safer way especially if you are not at the boat every day. It is a big investment so be sure whatever you do . ... I have the diesel heater for when away from hydro for overnight comfort....I used to use the propane gas catalatic heaters which did a fine job....This year I'm going to go South at the end of the month with the boat.... I think this is the better way 🙂
We really enjoy the ability to extend the season. Good to hear you are enjoying your boat to the max 🙂

 

[daviduphoff]

I have one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Cozy-Products-FW- ... B000079896
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COZY-FOOTWARMER ... 1007923158

that I put next to the block then toss a old blanket over it. It's safer than a light bulb and doesn't burn much more electricity. Mine has a built in thermostat. It is no substitute for winterizing your boat fully but adds a little peace of mind. It is amazing that I can go down to the boat and have frost on the engine cover then open it up and have a nice toasty block with just a 90W heater.

 

[pugtug613]

I agree with all these suggestions. But, if it gets down to let's say 15 -20 degrees, I think your screwed. To be safe, I would winterize the A/C, fresh water, holding tank and go ahead with those heaters. But, when you feel it's going to get REAL cold, close the thru hull and run some anti freeze thru the engine thru the strainer. OR take it out in mid-November?

 

[Barry Cohen]

I know a lot of people up here in the Boston area who live on their boats all year round.

I would just worry about the fresh water system. Don't forget that it needs to get a lot colder to freeze salt water.

 

[Irish Mist]

I think the big differance is Living aboard and visiting the boat on the weekends.. I live in my boat so if something fails I know right away .. If your only there weekends and something quits heating on a Monday you will not be happy the next weekend when you show up. Really if everything else is winterized Running some antifreeze through the engine is pretty easy with two people if the boat is going to sit.. One other helpful tool is a remote thermoter with a memory. I have two on the boat. They have a sensor I can put anywhere and it sends temp by radio waves to the main unit. They are about $10 .. That way you can see all the time what the temp is where the sensor is. If you are away for a few days it remembers the coldest and warmest readings. I use it to check fridge and cooler as well as outside . I just move them around as needed. I'm sure there is also some gizmo that would send you the temp over the internet if you looked . Bottom line as you can see, it is do able to leave your boat in latter.. It does however make it a lot less enjoyable later if you plan on eventually taking it out, I had to shovel and salt the boat ramp last year..
The negative side of all this.. When you go out boating, make sure you have anyone going outside wearing a PFD incase they fall overboard. No one does good in really cold water. The odd liveaboard has died falling in while the boat is tied at the dock for the winter, leaving or coming back to their boat. Things get a lot more slippery in the winter. There tends to not be much help around if you break down out in the water here.... not sure how it is where you are..
But it is all worth it if your careful and plan ahead

 

[Irish Mist]

Also I read of people using an electric blanket to cover the engine . Sounded like an easy way to keep it warm .

 

[Lone Star Ranger]

Michael,

One of the good things about boating in the Chesapeake Bay is the great fall weather we have for boating. You will find out that not everyone is "equipped" to take their boats out past October, and when you are out on the Chessy, there are no other boats around!! 😀

So to get back to your issue at hand, we don't normally winterize our boat until December. :shock: However, we also keep our eye on the forecasts to ensure we don't get hit with a long-term cold snap. I will also tell you that in the fall (late October/early November), I will do a partial winterization of the boat by winterizing the A/C and Generator. That way we can still boat out to St. Michaels for their fall Oyster festival (October 25) or just go out on day trips. Heck, we've taken our tug out on Thanksgiving weekend. But again, be mindful of weather forecasts.

There is also a very good winterization procedure in tugnuts that I use every year so that I don't have to pay someone else to do it. But if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. Where do you keep Tug Dawg? Ours is kept in Galesville, just south of Annapolis.

 

[Boatagain]

Thanks everyone for your great suggestions. When I read about the engine room heater I smacked myself in the forehead and wondered why I had not thought of that. Duh. Does anyone have any idea what size heater I would need for the R25?

John, we keep Tug Dawg in Baltimore's Inner Harbor at Harborview Marina. The Oyster Festival at St. Michaels sounds great but it's about a four hour cruise from our slip. I'll let you know if we plan to attend.

Once again I am humbled and honored to be part of the Ranger family. 😀

 

[Boatagain]

...and speaking of bubblers...anyone have experience with their use and/or recommend a good one?