Winters Here

[Opsguy1979]

Hi all,

I hope everyone has had a good summer. I was looking to go out and have a play this weekend but with crew issues and the looks of the wind this weekend I think ill pack her up for the winter instead.

2 questions on winterising-

1 What is the correct way to make sure the engine is protected? I presume on the sealed side just make sure there is enough anti freeze but what about the other side of the system? Should I turn off the water cock whilst running the engine to make sure all the water is pumped out?

2 Should you take off sails for the winter? I guess you can not do this in anything but the calmest days?

Cheers Karl

 

[MoodySabre]

Karl

Do not turn the seasick off whilst running the engine or you will wreck the impeller. If you are having the boat lifted then you should get some antifreeze in the sea water system. How you do this depends on how your sea com and strainer are arranged.

I leave my boat in the water until the coldest weather has passed as it won't freeze in the water. My theory anyway

If coming out then take the sails and canvas work off.

 

[Opsguy1979]

Thanks Rodger,

I am intending to stay in the water for the time being anyhow. So is there no need to worry about the salt water side of the system if it stays in the water? Theres no obvious way to get antifreeze through there in the water as far as I can see.

Cheers Karl

 

[Otter]

Sea water will freeze more easily in the boat because it lacks the thermal mass of the sea with it's retained heat. Assuming you have a sea water strainer, run the engine until the thermostat opens and then poor in pre mixed water/antifreeze until the first hint of blue comes out of the exhaust, then switch off the engine. But I don't know anyone who does this when they're staying in, some say the heat of the sea keeps the engine bay just 'warm' enough.

 

[MoodySabre]

I have been in the water for the last three winters with no winterisation and it has been fine.

 

[wingdiver]

I have been in the water for the last three winters with no winterisation and it has been fine.

We have never done anything to the raw water side of our engine and have been in the water throughout the winter every year for the past 15 years.
The water surrounding our boat will freeze on the surface when it is really cold (as it is brackish) but the salt water beneath will not freeze partly because it freezes at a lower temperature, partly because of it's thermal mass and partly because, bizarrely, the ice above keeps the heat in it. Even at minus 5 or 6 outside, the top layer only is frozen.
I would have thought that the boat/air inside the boat would act as an insulating device for the engine and surrounding area. The main worry would be the exhaust as it is exposed to the air.