Anti-freeze Or Propylene Glycol

[De Lourde]

Newbie question - when you winterize the fresh water system and head do you use anti-freeze in both or Propylene Glycol in the fresh water system and anti-freeze in the head? Also do you put the fluid only into the sink to fill the U pipe or do you put it in the "WATER" intake and then run the faucet till some runs out?

We're taking our boat out on Weds and have been getting differing thoughts, as this is the first year with our '05 we're looking for guidance.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Sailgunner]

Use the "pink stuff" (potable antifreze) in all your systems except maybe the engine. I always like to use regular automotive anifreeze in the engine fresh water system. Make sure you drain your hot water heater. You need to use the drain valve in the heater to do that. I then added some antifreeze in the HWH by opening the hot water faucet and running the pump some.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I just posted instructions for winterizing

Fresh water and sanitation systems. You can read 'em here:

http://forums.hunter.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=123472

(I'm getting the feeling I should prob'ly bookmark that link...)

 

[navigator97]

After disconnecting the "cold in" and "hot out" lines at the water heater and tieing them together as a bypass, I found a better way to drain the water heater of the 6 or so gallons of water. 5/8" hose fiits nicely over the fittings on the water heater. Put a hose from the "cold in" fitting to a pail. Put a hose from the "hot out" fitting and fit the other end to the inflatable dinghy air pump output. Pressing on the air pump foot pump will force air into the top of the water heater tank and push water out the other hose into the pail. It is much faster than using the small drain cock at the bottom. After no more water comes out you can then oper the small drain cock to see if there ia a little water remaining. I also put in about a quart of non-toxic antifreeze into the water heater thru the "cold in" fitting just in case there is still some water in it.

 

[De Lourde]

Appreciate the replies and link. We did buy pink anti-freeze from West Marine, will have to check to make sure its potable. This first foray will take a longer period of time since we'll have to "locate" everything and probably second guess ourselves for a bit.

Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Instead of putting antifreeze into the water heater...

Why not use a shop vac to remove the last little bit? If it's dry inside, no antifreeze is needed...and if you read my reply to Roger in the discussion at the link I provided, you'll see why you'll like none a lot better next spring.

DeLourde...if you're new to all this stuff, you might want to spend some time reading the discussions in the Head Mistress forum to learn a bit about how to operate and maintain your system when she goes back into the water next spring. You MIGHT even consider checking out the link in my signature...it goes to pretty comprehensive "marine toilets and holding tanks 101" manual that help you understand how things work and how to prevent 99% of problems.

 

[DianaOfBurlington]

I like Peggie's idea of clearing out all of the fresh water.

However I did hear of a solution involving vodka, since it does not freeze and will keep plenty of water from freezing along with it; and best of all it's not a catastrophe if you 'accidentally' drink it next spring (preferably when the chore of bottom painting is finally done :dance. Some vodka is cheaper than pink antifreeze.

 

[Shell]

I like Peggie's idea of clearing out all of the fresh water.

However I did hear of a solution involving vodka, since it does not freeze and will keep plenty of water from freezing along with it; and best of all it's not a catastrophe if you 'accidentally' drink it next spring (preferably when the chore of bottom painting is finally done :dance. Some vodka is cheaper than pink antifreeze.

Where do you get a gallon of cheap vodka cheaper than a gallon of propylene glycol?

Propylene glycol is the main ingredient in swedish fish, vodka is the main ingredient in a Manhattan.

 

[De Lourde]

Peggy - appreciate the advice and we will be checking your forum, would rather take more time to make sure we do whatever we can correctly.

All the replies have been very helpful, I'm glad we joined this site and the members are so ready to share their expertise.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Busting the vodka myth

It's true that STRAIGHT UNCUT vodka won't freeze, at least not in temps down to at least -10 F (which is as cold as I've tested it in my freezer at home). But a cut of only 20% water in it will freeze rock solid at -0- F....and there's always gonna be at least a gallon or two left in any water tank. So unless you FILL the tank with vodka (which would provide some interesting potential in the spring, but would cost a fortune!) or remove ALL the water from the tank and plumbing, vodka offers no protection at all...but if there's no water in the tank or plumbing to freeze and expand--which is what causes damage--there's no need to put anything in the tank.

Which means that those who swear by vodka as a cheap alternative to antifreeze could actually do just as well if they didn't use anything.

Btw...I dunno what's in swedish fish, but a Manhatten doesn't have any vodka in it...it's whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Vodka's the main ingredient in a bloody mary (with tomato juice), a screwdriver (with orange juice) and a vodka martini (with dry vermouth and either onions or olives).

 

[Alan]

....also a Sea Breeze, Cosmopolitan, Sex on the Beach, and Harvey Wallbanger. Hell, I'll take one (anyone) any time.