Repeated winterizing methods

[baz]

Subject: Repeated winterizing methods

With Summer behind us and now with Fall and then Winter following the need for winterizing our boats is being discussed. The aspect of winterizing is kind of annoying for me as in my area we do get freezing conditions at times so I will need to winterize as I keep my boat on a trailer parked in my driveway. However, during the winter time the weather can be pleasant and taking the boat out on the water is and will be appealing to me.

This leaves me with having to winterize my boat several times possibly... each time after using the boat and returning home.

How do others in a similar situation deal with this repeated winterizing requirement ? Is there no other way other than to winterize each time after the boat is used.

For our previous R-25 we kept at a marina in water and in a covered slip all year round. I never winterized the R-25 as freezing weather never presented a problem with it. I kept a Caframo space heater running inside the cabin all the time when leaving the R-25 at its marina's slip.

Thanks for any ideas. 🙂

 

[baz]

For my R-21EC's D1-30 engine is it possible to drain all the raw water from the engine and hoses and thus avoiding having to use RV Antifreeze as shown by Ranger Tugs video ?

Is there a petcock on the engine somewhere that can be opened to allow all the raw water to drain out of the engine without leaving any remaining in small corners and hoses ? I assume opening the strainer cap will allow any raw water to flow out of the boat through the hull seacock... but what about residual water in the muffler ? The muffler has a drain plug maybe !!

On my R-21EC D1-30 I have installed the SpeedSeal device on the raw water pump housing and removing the impeller is but a few seconds of time. Who removes their impellers for winterizing ?

I'm leaning to avoid using RV Antifreeze as this liquid seems to be an attraction for rats and the like. I've already had one occurrence with a critter eating one of my engine coolant hoses in my car while parked out in the driveway, and this is where my boat will also be parked. If I place some small amount of RV Antifreeze in the bilge (as is advised I believe) this would seem to be an open invitation to these critters.

 

[R Baker]

If I lived a marginal winter climate where it might freeze overnight from time to time; I would consider; 1. would I really go out for a run or two in the coldest months, if not the I would winterize, and 2. If the answer to one is yes, then I would consider heating the engine space and cabin on those frosty days and nights. My 29 will be stored inside but still subject to -15 to -20. So no choice but to drown it with vodka.

 

[baz]

Thanks... Fair enough.... My R-21EC will be parked outside on its trailer in my driveway.

On my R-21EC I can run the Caframo space heater in the Pilot house and that seems to keep temps above freezing. For the engine box I'm trying to think how I can keep the box/engine warm and above freezing temp. The box has three vents and one fire extinguisher port/flap. Heating the box/engine seems an almost impossible/difficult task. If I find no way to do this, then I'll resort to doing repeated engine winterizing as necessary. According to Ranger Tug's R-27 engine winterizing video this can be done in 45 mins and maybe less for the R-21EC.

Then there's the needed protection for the two batteries inside the engine box I suppose, although I don't do anything special for my car's battery while it's also parked outside in my driveway. So that should be AOK to leave batteries on the boat. I do have the battery charger always powered up.

 

[Irish Mist]

Electric blanket over the engine.. One with a thermostat.. I reAd this somewhere.... However for all the time it takes to just run antifreeze through and how little it takes why risk it.. Figure out a fitting and a hose to a jug full of antifreeze Just hook it up when you pull the boat Run it until it comes out and your done.. For the winter just avoid using your water and holding tanks so you only need to worry about the engine

 

[Captain Steve]

I grew up in Wisconsin... When it was way below zero, sometimes my dad would send me out to the car and place a 100 watt bulb, screwed into a socket on the end of an extension cord. Laid it on top of the engine and gently closed the hood. My dad could see the light on the ground around the front of our car so he knew I did the job!