Winter-UGH
Dean: I live in Alaska and every year (up until this one-we are basking in uper 40's this year with no snow) freezing is a concern. If the vessel is still afloat, it tells you that the thru holes have survived (to date). You will want to look closely at the head and galley fittings. The cold temps can freeze them and you will only see a crack or leak when they are used. Same goes for the engine and exhaust. Any water in any leaks (around chainplates and the like) will leak even more come breakup. As for the hull, you should be o.k. My experience with freeze-in has been positive...Not the best to have happen, but the pressures seem to equalize around the hull. In the future you may want to look at a circulating pump under the vessel. The water movement keeps warm water upwelling and you don't get the freeze-in. Unfortunately, the worse conditions are to come. It seems when things start getting warmer and thawing takes place is when you see big problems. Up until now the ice is holding things together and water out, but when things thaw is when big problems arise...Like the thru hulls go. Good luck and keep that snow blower in good condition!
