Help! I'm worried sick...I've read several threads in the archives (dealing with water leaking into the rear-swim platform locker). Unfortunately, I can't caulk or do any re-bedding until springtime (too cold). Now, I have a block of ice in the locker. I've poured a few gallons of antifreeze, yet, it still has ice. There IS plenty of room for the ice to expand, and, eventually, I will need to get the water out (either by pumping if we get a stretch of warm weather, or, by chipping it out). I'm really worried about my through-hulls being damaged though. Anybody with insight into this dilemna? Anybody in the colder climates who has survived a winter with water in the locker? Thanks in advance.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
S
s helhoski
Antifreeze
The anti-freeze will only work if it is mixed with the water, it will not thaw a block of ice. I would try to get a little heat on the problem, either a heat gun, which looks like a hair dryer (be carefull they get hot enough to burn gelcoat)you can get these at Wal-mart. or if you think that will take too long you can rent a kerosene "salamander" from a local tool rental outlet. you may have seen these things on the sidelines of football games. they put out a tremendous amount of heat so again be careful. If you thaw the water and pump it out you may consider putting some more antifreeze back in the locker until you get a chance to fix the leak, that way any more water that finds its way in will mix with the antifreeze and not cause any further problems. as far as leaving the ice there expanding and contracting water has enough power to move boulders, thru-hulls and bulkheads wouldn't stand a chance.
The anti-freeze will only work if it is mixed with the water, it will not thaw a block of ice. I would try to get a little heat on the problem, either a heat gun, which looks like a hair dryer (be carefull they get hot enough to burn gelcoat)you can get these at Wal-mart. or if you think that will take too long you can rent a kerosene "salamander" from a local tool rental outlet. you may have seen these things on the sidelines of football games. they put out a tremendous amount of heat so again be careful. If you thaw the water and pump it out you may consider putting some more antifreeze back in the locker until you get a chance to fix the leak, that way any more water that finds its way in will mix with the antifreeze and not cause any further problems. as far as leaving the ice there expanding and contracting water has enough power to move boulders, thru-hulls and bulkheads wouldn't stand a chance.
V
Vern Bolen
Test Ice First
Suggest you test the ice first to see if it is fresh ..Then melt and add antifreeze. Clean water will more then likely be comming from a leak above from rain.
Suggest you test the ice first to see if it is fresh ..Then melt and add antifreeze. Clean water will more then likely be comming from a leak above from rain.
L
Larry Grasse
Now I have to Look
This is the only thing That bugs me about our 29.5 is the hole rear locker water thing My arms are notlong enough to wick the water out I can't emagin finding Ice looks like you got some good advice
This is the only thing That bugs me about our 29.5 is the hole rear locker water thing My arms are notlong enough to wick the water out I can't emagin finding Ice looks like you got some good advice
D
Doug
Salt is Cheap
Apply a generous amount of salt to melt or weaken the ice so that can be removed or, at least weakened so that you will not get expansion damage. I have used this to get rid of bilge ice.
Apply a generous amount of salt to melt or weaken the ice so that can be removed or, at least weakened so that you will not get expansion damage. I have used this to get rid of bilge ice.
B
Bill Murray
Don't panic
I too have had this problem and I would not panic. The shape of the locker will allow plenty of room for the (limited) expansion that water undergoes when freezing - unless it is full! Since this is inside the boat, it is not susceptible to the ravages of the weather and the sea which is what causes the ice damage you see in the marina in the spring. The only thing I have ever seen damaged by "bilge ice" in 30 years is the float unit for my bilge pump. Through hulls can be damnaged by water freezing INSIDE them - be sure to leave your sea cocks open after the baoat has nbeen hauled for the winter. See you in the spring! Bill Murray H29.5 Good Faith
I too have had this problem and I would not panic. The shape of the locker will allow plenty of room for the (limited) expansion that water undergoes when freezing - unless it is full! Since this is inside the boat, it is not susceptible to the ravages of the weather and the sea which is what causes the ice damage you see in the marina in the spring. The only thing I have ever seen damaged by "bilge ice" in 30 years is the float unit for my bilge pump. Through hulls can be damnaged by water freezing INSIDE them - be sure to leave your sea cocks open after the baoat has nbeen hauled for the winter. See you in the spring! Bill Murray H29.5 Good Faith
T
Tim McCarty
Thanks Bill...
for the reassurance...just got back from the boat, and, although I had a layer of ice on top, the antifreeze held underneath. I probably pumped 6 or 7 gallons of water out, and put another gallon of a/f in plus some salt around the through-hulls. Should be ok though...
for the reassurance...just got back from the boat, and, although I had a layer of ice on top, the antifreeze held underneath. I probably pumped 6 or 7 gallons of water out, and put another gallon of a/f in plus some salt around the through-hulls. Should be ok though...
J
Jim Anzalone
Don't worry yourself sick
Like you said it has room to expand! On a warm day it will melt and mix with the anti-freeze
Like you said it has room to expand! On a warm day it will melt and mix with the anti-freeze
- Status
- Not open for further replies.