Water System Question

[WJA302]

Okay, Another question from a newbie: I have an 1987 27'. I purchased it late in the season last year. To winterize the water system I drained it and poured in 8 gallons of anti freeze so that it filled up the hot water tank also.
fast froward to spring - opened the boat, put the batteries in and the water pump came up to pressure fine. I started to drain the anti freeze and catch it for re-use but after I caught two gallons the pump seemed to loose its prime. It just kept running and I had no water pressure. I dumped a gallon back into the tank and the pump primed. I started draining again and the pump lost its prime again after I got another gallon.
I didn't want to put water in the tank to flush it because I want to reuse the anti freeze. This is the first time I am getting the boat out of winterization and I feel I'm just missing something. Any Help? Thanks

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

open the line at the pump input to see if water is flowing to it - or, maybe a clogged filter, etc..
Also, don't bother filling the tank next season. It is a waste of antifreeze. All you need do is gravity drain the hot water tank and if you are anal about it, blow out whatever is left. Any residual water which freezes will have sufficient room for expansion to preclude damage. Same for the tank(s).
As an example, I use less than 2 gallons to winterize my boat, water heater, both heads, A/C, 3 sinks, etc.

 

[WJA302]

Thanks, I don't think it's clogged because it runs fine when I bring the water level up. I know it did not leak out over the winter so there's about 6 gallons laying in there. I'm heading down Friday so I'll play with it some more. I'll do what you suggest next fall with the two gal. I got back. Thanks again