Winterizing a new 2018 R-31S

[Kaptajnen]

Being a new owner of a R-31S I wanted to “winterize” the boat properly since we keep it in the PNW.
Perhaps the following will be of interest to other new owners.

I purchased a Caframo Pali 400 Watt Engine Heater from Amazon at a great price with free delivery. I installed it permanently on the wood board at the stern end of the engine room and routed the power cable into the main cabin by following the fuel lines to the hatch below the floor.

To prevent the cable from being “pinched” I cut a small notch in the lid and from there the 20 foot cable easily reaches the 110 volt outlet in the galley.

I also installed a 110 volt dehumidifier, which keeps the cabin warm and dry.

The water tank and the heads have been emptied and a few pints of alcohol added to the tank to prevent the residual water from freezing.

Likewise, the waste tank has been pumped out and some anti-freeze mix added.

I plan on running the engine for 10 minutes or so every other week to keep it lubed etc.

Photos: https://myranger31-s.blogspot.com/2018/ ... -31-s.html

 

[Robvic]

Thanks for the tips and pics Kaptajen. I did similar but found that it was easier to route the Pali cable to the outlet on the intverter in the port lazarette. I haven't gotten to the water system yet and your tips will be helpful.
Rob

 

[aculverwell]

Hi Rob, what type of inverter do you have? The Promariner 2500 QS on my 31CB doesn't seem to have a built in outlet nor do I have an outlet in the port lazarette, so I am forced (I think) to route the power cord into the cabin like Kaptajnen.

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Hi Rob, what type of inverter do you have? The Promariner 2500 QS on my 31CB doesn't seem to have a built in outlet nor do I have an outlet in the port lazarette, so I am forced (I think) to route the power cord into the cabin like Kaptajnen.

Allen,

The outlet he is talking about is on the AFT side of the inverter which is in the port side cockpit hatch. Hope this helps.

Take care,
Kevin Lamont

 

[aculverwell]

Thanks Kevin! I guess I never noticed that there was an outlet directly on the Inverter. I'll check it out.

 

[dickswanson]

On my 2017 R-31 CB I have routed the power cord from my Caframo engine compartment heater through the opening at the top of the bulkhead below the cabin door, then along the port side of the compartment above the fuel tank and just inside the door, and finally through a small opening into the aft cabin where there is an 110 outlet. The power cord is completely out of the way and no drilling or notching of the compartment lid was required.

 

[vt97john]

Does the engine / bilge heater need to be near the engine seacock / hose to keep it from freezing or can it pretty much be installed anywhere in engine compartment?

 

[Whidbey Cruiser]

I'm picking up a new Cutwater 28 next week and the dealer offered to install a 110 outlet inside the engine compartment. I went ahead and approved the work for a nominal fee and have purchased the Caframo heater from Amazon. Thought I would mention this as it would be less invasive and easier.

 

[Kaptajnen]

Does the engine / bilge heater need to be near the engine seacock / hose to keep it from freezing or can it pretty much be installed anywhere in engine compartment?

The Caframo Pali 400 will keep the entire engine compartment above 45 degrees but it should be installed permanently on a vertical surface. On acRanger 31-S that would be on the wood tray as shown on my photos.