preparing for cold snap R23

[Seamus]

I have a new R23 in covered moorage in Tacoma. There is a cold snap coming. I have a heater and dehumidifier in the cabin, so I'm covered there. I'm wondering about what steps I should take for icing protection for the head sea strainer and bilge pumps in aft hull and pod. Any suggestions would be helpful.
Thanks
Charlie

 

[knotflying]

Close strainer and pour RV antifreeze in and draw antifreeze into system and into the holding tank. You should also pump antifreeze through the engine via the fresh water clean out connection. Pour the antifreeze into the bilge and activate the bilge pump and let it discharge using the manual switch.

 

[Kimberly Dawn]

The fact you are moored, your hull is insulated below the waterline. Drain your water system, provide heat in the locker where your water heater is (htr has an insulated jacket)... I use an Extreme bilge heater. I use (2) thermostatically controlled electric fan heaters in the cabin area, one at the helm deck and one at the v-berth cabinet countertop. All cabinets doors (not drawers) are open, and access panels to the bilge are removed. Fan heaters provide heat and air movement.

Mind you, I keep my R27-OB at home, in the driveway and uncovered. I'm not sure if Knotflying realizes you have an outboard, but I don't see a need for antifreeze application to your motor. I also think your holding tank will be protected in bilge below waterline and heaters above in cabin. I had a hot tub cover (4"rigid insul) that I place on the cockpit deck.

My system seems to work well.

Bob
The Doghouse 2

 

[knotflying]

I mentioned pumping antifreeze through the hose clean out (yes on an outboard) in case there was any residual water in the system that may freeze.

 

[baz]

1) Your are in the PNW and at the Tacoma location in a covered slip, right ?

2) If 1) is correct, you are very well protected from freezing condition in the PNW area IMO.

3) Your outboard motor should be fine but make sure the engine has been flushed with fresh water and allowed to drain out completely. Any residual fresh water even if frozen will not cause problems when it thaws out as the residual water has room to expand.

4) To ensure cabin and water lines are safe from freezing/thawing place a cabin heater inside and have it running, and open all cabinet doors to allow heated air to circulate throughout.

5) I would place two heaters in the cabin; one under dinner table and another in the head.

6) If you have a full cockpit enclosure that is good also to keep things dry and less prone to freezing conditions what with some wind a the chill factor.

7) If you have the Webasto diesel heater be sure to run it periodically for some 30 minutes - say once per 30 days. When doing this I guess you could also run the engine (both the main and the kicker if you have one) for a short while.

8) I think doing the above should suffice to protect your R23 during the cold snaps.

Make sure your boat is on shore power as well. 😉

I've kept my RT models in the PNW for past 11 yrs in covered slips and have not experienced any freezing/thawing issues for the inboard and outboard RT models.

If you have the time, goto the boat and check things for peace of mind.