Solara Raw Water WInterization

[CyPaul]

With the passing of Labor Day, I’m starting to plan for winterizing my S-250CW for the first time. I watched the very informative YouTube video on winterizing Ranger tugs but I’m looking for ideas on how to do the raw water system on this boat. In the tug there is a relatively robust strainer that allows one to pour large amounts of “pink” into the system to get it through the pumps and other pipes. In the Solara, the strainer is different (see attached picture). The outlets are in the lid which is the opposite of the strainer in the tug, which I think will make the process more difficult. Anyone have an idea as to how I might get larger amounts of solution through the system without screwing and unscrewing the filter adding a few ounces at a time. I could see sticking the vertical pipe that goes to the T into a bucket but I’d like to avoid removing any existing hose clamps.

 

[S. Todd]

I put a "T" fitting in my intake line with a length of hose up to a threaded fitting that I cap. When it is time to winterize, that threaded fitting gets uncapped and screwed to the shut off valve on the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket that I fill with antifreeze. Works for the washdown, toilet, a/c units and generator.

 

[CyPaul]

I put a "T" fitting in my intake line with a length of hose up to a threaded fitting that I cap. When it is time to winterize, that threaded fitting gets uncapped and screwed to the shut off valve on the bottom of a 5-gallon bucket that I fill with antifreeze. Works for the washdown, toilet, a/c units and generator.

Makes sense. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Mike and Sarah]

When we had our R27 it had a strainer like your Solara. I removed the cup on the strainer and placed an ice cream pail under the strainer housing. It allowed me to pour antifreeze into the bucket and the pumps could pull it through the system. The pail needs to be raised up so the top is higher than the original strainer.

 

[CyPaul]

Thanks for the idea! I ended up taking the strainer off after flipping it in place and pouring antifreeze in while running the pump. It worked but kind of messy. Will try your idea next year.