Head/holding tank winter lay-up

[Frank Arndorfer]

I've a 2001 H340 that I'm preparing for winter storage and have a question regarding the head/holding tank system. The boat is going into INDOOR storage (50 degrees) so I'm not bothering to add antifreeze, etc. So far I've had the tank pumped, thoroughly flushed several times,back flushed the vent line, etc. We've been very careful the past summer about what's gone into the system...no solids, always pumped when it gets 1/2 full, etc. and we've had no odor problems. We want to keep it that way.I've heard a number of "sailor remedies" for treating the tank. Fill 'er with vodka (interesting cocktail??),leave it dry, add a small amount of water, etc. Any professional advice.??????

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Pump out as much as you can, then...

add a couple of gallons of white vinegar...put it down the toilet undiluted (on "dry"). That'll not only stop any odor from forming, but it'll also make dissolve any sea water minerals and urine crystals in the hose before they can harden completely and clog the hose.Take the head apart and lubricate it with SeaLube or SuperLube...really slather it all over everything inside the pump. Not only will this protect the seals, valve o-rings etc from drying out over the winter, but you'll also be good to go next spring for the whole season as far as lubricating the head is concerned.There are those who recommend putting vodka in the fresh water tank in lieu of antifreeze (it doesn't work, but as long as the tank doesn't ever freeze hard, they'll never know that)...but NEVER in the holding tank.

 

[Steve O.]

Big What if?

As in, what happens if the power goes out? Anti freeze is pretty cheap insurance in my book. I'd put it in anyway. Especially in Cold Milwaukee.

 

[Greg aboard "BlueBerry"]

but if the boat is staying in the water....

like in Georgia, is it still necessary to drain all the systems, add antifreeze, etc? Yes, I know, we do get freezing temperatures, so does that mean that I have to winterize and "un-winterize" after each use? just wondering, since I plan on doing winter sailing here.

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

Greg, my boat was on Lanier...

I never winterized the plumbing, just occasionally turned the heat on in the boat when a REALLY hard freeze (teens-single digits at night, highs below 30F days) was expected to last more than 48 hours. The lake never gets below about 45 degrees...since the hull takes its temp from the water, nothing below the waterline can freeze. You only really need to worry about it if you keep your boat out of the water.