Winterizing a Yanmar engine

[openseas]

Hi all,
I have a 30' sailboat that I moved to a new marina which doesn't have dry dock. I have to leave the boat in the water for the winter, where it freezes here.
I like to know how do I winterize the inboard 15hp Yanmar engine. Also is there anything else to do to the boat before the freeze.
Do I have to empty the water holding tank, and if yes, how can I do it.

Thanks to all your responses

[cheoah]

Buy some non-toxic antifreeze. Run the engine and get it up to temp. Use the hose that brings in seawater to cool the engine and stick in in the bottle of antifreeze. When you see it come out the exhaust, kill the engine.

Not a bad idea to change the oil after you get the engine hot, then winterize after.

Yes, empty the water tanks, the same way as when cruising - turn on the faucets Make sure there is no water left. You can add non-toxic antifreeze here if you want, then flush well in spring. Same with waste tank. Make sure all faucets get drained and/or get antifreeze run through it. DRain the hot water tank!

Pull your batteries and put on a trickle charge,or maintainer, or leave on boat with same. I don't know where you are and what is cold.....

Strip your sails and canvas to avoid unnecessary wear.

There's more, but you get the idea. probably a comprehensive checklist somewhere online like BoatUS.

[delmarrey]

This has been discussed multiple times. If you do a search under winterizing you'll come up with several threads. Here is one to start with>> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...eze-32832.html

Also you should mention where your located. Different latitude require different extremes. Frozen cockpits drains can sink boats in some areas.