Here's one I've never heard - Vodka in water tanks

[Pete Davenport]

We've been using the standard commercial water tank anti-freeze and dislike the left over taste in the spring. Someone recently indicated they use vodka instead. Anyone else done this before, it is really that good a protectant to freezing? Any other guidelines?Anyone else have alternatives?Betelgeuse III ('82 36'), home on the Chesapeake Bay

 

[John]

Vodka

From a chemistry standpoint, adding alcohol to water does in fact lower it's freezing point. And, if you think about it, Vodka isn't toxic (unless ingested in very large quantities) so I suppose that it's safe to add to fresh water tanks. It's actual usefulness as a protectant against freezing is unknown to me but at least you can start the boating season in the spring with a nice cocktail from your water tanks.

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

It doesn't work

But if you're just hearing about it for the first time, you have to be one the last to do so. Undiluted vodka won't freeze to at least -0- F...but even an 80-20 dilute will...making vodka useless as antifreeze in a system that still has any water left in it. Anyone who claims it works prob'ly could get away without winterizing at all.Recommissioning the system in the spring according to directions I've posted here many times, and which I'll prob'ly post again next spring even though they're also included in my book (see link below) will completely get rid of any antifreeze taste/smell.

 

[frank arndorfer]

seems to be a tale...

Had heard this one several years ago...as a FNG boater. Wodka's value as an anti-freeze in hard freeze weather is questionable. But if it's a known fact that you do use it, evidently there's no shortage of help in the spring helping re-commission the boat.!!!

 

[frank arndorfer]

Enough....ENOUGH.!!!!!

OK. OK. All you warm-weather guys have made your point(s). We northerners have a difficult enough time justifying living where we do as it is. Now you start talking about 100gal martinis and enjoying your boats all year...ARGH.!!!Oh well...I'm an optimist. I just came out of the water two weeks ago but my slant is..."it's now two weeks closer to next May 1st."

 

[fred miller]

Not for Freeze Protection, But Has Other Use

I don't recommend Vodka for feeeze protection . .besides it's too expensive. You would probably need gallons. BUT . .by accident I dumped a martini on my deck last season . .WHAT A CLEANER . .works good on metal too. No need to use Belvidere or Greygoose, the cheap stuff works just as well. [I can imagine what that stuff does to your innerds]Fred MillerM Squared