Winterizing Experiences

[theonecalledtom]

Hi there,

I'm visiting Block Island from my usual haunts on the Mexican border. Most noticeable to me is that 95% of the boats are gone, either down south or out of the water.

Respect to the Fishermen who are still out there working in the bitter cold!

I have no idea how to go winterizing a boat, and it may be a long time before I have too but was wondering if people could highlight the most important details and any gotchas that they have experienced? I believe that frozen water can burst through hulls and sink your pride and joy....

[chrisjs]

This is a big question but the answer depends on how you intend to leave/use your boat while in the frigid northeast. We store our boat out of the water during the winter in RI. Prep. includes displacing all engine saltwater coolant with antifreeze, same for other saltwater systems such as AC units, water maker etc; draining engine exhaust risers - (you may need to drill/tap and insert drainplug); draining all freshwater systems including water heater, washing machine etc. and flushing lines (not tanks) with antifreeze; and flushing all drains, sumps, and bilge pumps with antifreeze. On a 50ft trawler, we use approx 25 gallons of antifreeze!!

On the other hand if you plan to keep using the boat through the winter , I guess all you can do is keep it heated well enough to avoid freezing!!

Hope this helps,

Chris