Winter??!!

[woody001]

Hi,

I want to use my yacht over winter - however, what should i do with the engine?
As i wish to keep the engine running.
I am a newbie to winter sailing, any help would be great,

thanks again!

simon

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Evadne]

I'd leave it in the boat if I were you, it might come in handy.
Seriously, it won't get as cold as, say, your car engine so service it as normal, i.e. change the oil, filter(s) and anode, clean the connectors, top up the antifreeze if indirectly cooled, then carry on. Unless the Solent seriously freezes, the seawater in the system should remain liquid. If there are no glow plugs then it might get a bit reluctant to start, if you've access to unlimited electrical power (marina berth) a small heat source nearby might help.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[SteveGorst]

In the winter the sea minimum sea temperature will be about 8 degrees C due to our friendly Gulf Stream. This has the effect of keeping the boat warm when the air temperature is below zero. Last winter I went out to my yacht on a day when the surface of the yacht was covered in frost. When I went below it was as though someone had left a heater on!!

Others may have different opinions to me but I think that as long as your boat is in the sea during a typical British Winter you should have no worries about freezing.

To be really safe you could improve things against severe freezing by putting an insulating blanket over the engine to maximise the infuence of the sea and minimise the effect of the air. Remember to take it off before starting the engine though.

This is only my opinion based on my experiences, don't sue me if it all goes pear shaped!!

Steve

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.nwcc.info>North Wales Cruising Club</A>

 

[jimi]

Other thing I'd do is keep fuel levels topped up to minimise moisture due to condensation in diesel, after a couple of experiences with fuel bug I also add Soltron to the fuel.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[MIKE_MCKIE]

Apart from previous like top up anti freeze etc, make sure your battery is up to scratch. Other than that, go for it. I have done this the last 2 years & never had a problem. I am a firm beliver that diesel engines were made to run, and subject to correct servicing, that is what mine does.
Happy sailing, I may see you around the Solent some time this winter.
mike

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[BlueMan]

Can anyone tell me if I should be worried about the fresh water system and/or calorifier over the winter while afloat. I am just about to take delivery of a new boat and have never had to worry about such luxuries in the past on my trailer sailer!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ex-Gladys]

Most definitely....

<hr width=100% size=1>Larry Botheras

Anderson 26 "Amber"

 

[BlueMan]

Mmmmm, serves me right really, doesn't it !! I obviously should have asked - should I be worried about the freshwater system and calorifier and what should I do about it?

<hr width=100% size=1>