Winter use

[Sealeggs]

We have a 25 SC with two heaters etc. sShe would be perfect for winter cruising here in N Idaho. Our winter temps on the lake can get as low as zero and the electric power at the marinas are at best undependable. Assuming we winterize the freshwater system toilt etc, is there anyway to winterize the engine between use.

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

My R27 has spent four winters in the water and is usually iced in for at least a few weeks each year. I winterize the engine between uses by closing the raw water intake seacock, opening the raw water strainer, and running a gallon or two of RV antifreeze (the pink stuff) through the engine until it shows up in the exhaust stream. I've done the same with various boats for the last 50 years with no bad outcomes.

 

[Sealeggs]

Thank you

 

[rheimb1]

I had my R25SC on Lake Roosevelt the first year I bought her. I used a heater in the cabin and a Golden Rod in the engine compartment in addition to the adding antifreeze to the engine. I had winterized all other liquid lines and tanks with the 50 below "pink" antifreeze. Since then I talked with manufacture because I found that these products actually freeze and that prompted the phone call. But the difference is that this liquid doesn't expand when frozen. While on the phone they did warn me that if you mix the -50 below product (pink) with half water, it doesn't have -25 protection factor but rather closer to 20 to 25 degrees above protection! They suggested using the 100 below (purple) product because you can't be sure that you got all the water out.

I get that we all have been using then pink product and no one here on this page seems to have had a problem, including me but I only did that for one year. I now use exclusively -100 below purple antifreeze at 9-10 bucks a gallon. For a little more than twice the price ($50 vs. $20) I have that peace of mind. If I lived on the sound I wouldn't bother at all because the water alone should heat the engine compartment much less having a cabin heater. That first winter I left a thermometer in the engine compartment on a 20 degree morning and with the Golden Rod and cabin heater going it was 51 degrees. However the rest of the boat or bilge is most likely colder and if you lose power then what? Disclaimer; your situation may be different so check you own temps! LOL.

 

[Sealeggs]

Thank you so much. We are in Sandpoint ID on Lake Pend Oreille. Where is shee moored now