Winterizing Option

M

markkiefaber

Active member
Joined
Oct 5, 2019
Messages
36
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Non-Fluid Motion Model
Colgate 26 sailboat
Vessel Name
Privateer
Our C 28 is fully winterized and sleeping happily on it's lift. We, on the other hand, find it frustrating to be unable to use the boat on somewhat warm days. How about this? Winterize everything that can freeze EXCEPT the engine. No fresh water, no head, no air conditioning or heat (except from the engine). Put a safe heater down in the engine space to keep the water in the heat exchanger from freezing. Does this make any sense, or should I just be patient and wait for Spring?

Mark
C 28 MOJO
Annapolis, MD
 
This will be my first winter following your scheme, using a Caframo Pali, 9510CABBX, Ignition Proof Engine Compartment Heater, which ought to do fine unless the power goes out. On the other hand, a gallon of pink stuff to re-winterize the engine has never been a deal breaker on a nice day like last Sunday on the Severn and is (almost) 100% reliable. Using the heater will probably help the D3 start with less drama.

I should share a lesson I learned last Christmas day when we decided the 150 yards of ice between the dock and open water looked pretty thin and weak. We got out about 2/3 of the way and opted to turn around before we got stuck and embarrassed. Couldn't turn. Barely able to back in. Didn't tell wife.
 
Cap'n: Last year we took our Duffy Electric Boat out when there was some ice. It did manage to cut through, but it was a close call. Not too much power in a little electric boat.
 
For the expense of running a gallon or two of antifreeze through the sea strainer and engine I wouldn't take a chance with the priciest component in your boat. I have a neighbour that didn't run antifreeze thru his diesel and I gather there must have npbeen some water in the cooling system somewhere because there is enough damage he needs a new engine. Quotes for labour and replacement definitely make 5 minutes effort and $20 of antifreeze pale in comparison. Heaters fail, power goes out.
 
Pleeson: Thanks for the response. I think I'll just let MOJO sleep for the winter.

Mark
C 28 MOJO
Annapolis. MD
 
We're going the same route as CaptCrunch, everything winterized except engine, using a heater in the engine compartment (and hoping shore power doesn't go out). We got a small ceramic heater for the cabin for when necessary. Temps are just starting to dip down here so we'll see how it goes...
 
Any tutorials on winterizing?
Taking possession of my C30 next month.
How do you winterize the engine in that it has a raw water pickup outside the boat and the engine is large and hollow (lots of RV antifreeze!). I never winterize my RV or generator on it so doing an "inboard" boat motor is new to me.
The boat will be on a trailer.
Sinks, toilets, water lines, etc are just like an RV, so not a big deal.
 
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