Partial Winterisation?

[oGaryo]

A little early to think about this I know but I'm in two minds whether to fully winterise the boat this winter with it being my first as a boat owner... I want to use the boat during the winter for fishing trips on the broads and Solent but I don't know to what extent I should protect the engine after each trip... do I have to fully winterise it or is there a cut down version of fogging, anti freeze and the like that I can safely utilise to reduce the effort and expense whilst ensuring the boat isn't damaged? I'm presume antifreeze and draining the block and exhaust eaxh time is a given

thanks in advance for the advice.

cheers Gary

 

[andy59]

I just used to run engine up in plastic barrel once a month or so , but if freezing weather is expected i added two or three gallons of cheapo antifreeze to water in drum , or you can drain down block and manifolds if the drain taps work !! . Also i found that petrol seems to go stale quite quickly nowadays so try and use up what you have on board so that you can fill with fresh next time you use it . Ideal situation is to run engine until carb empties ( if you have carburretors ) , Then put plastic bag over inlet till next time . After all your head work this year have you got fresh oil , plugs etc allready ? probably ok for next year .

 

[seamaster30]

A little early to think about this I know but I'm in two minds whether to fully winterise the boat this winter with it being my first as a boat owner... I want to use the boat during the winter for fishing trips on the broads and Solent but I don't know to what extent I should protect the engine after each trip... do I have to fully winterise it or is there a cut down version of fogging, anti freeze and the like that I can safely utilise to reduce the effort and expense whilst ensuring the boat isn't damaged? I'm presume antifreeze and draining the block and exhaust eaxh time is a given

thanks in advance for the advice.

cheers Gary

I have been on the inland waterways for the last 8 years, firstly around Lincoln, and now in Southern Ireland, and have never winterised my boats.
I use it all year round, and if the boat is kept in the water you will unlikely have a problem if you have shore power and some strategically placed low wattage tube heaters.
My engines have antifreeze in the coolant, but other than that, nothing special.
If you don't have a method of heating the boat, things get a little more difficult - Main areas of concern will be your domestic water system, and the raw water side of the engine. - Best protection is to ensure they are empty as you have indicated.

 

[rafiki_]

Gary,

You should be able to fill the raw watere system with antifreeze mix when you return home using outdrive muffs, if you do not have a suitable barrel. I used to do this with my OMC powered cruiser. Attach a hose to the muffs, and funnel to the hose, then run the engine and pour antifreeze mix in using a watering can until you see a good stream coming out of the exhaust. I used to do the same with fresh water in any case after running th boat in salt water. The antifreeze will help to stop the internals rusting.

If you have any other water on board, just drain it down.

10 min job all in.