Wintering in the water

[Roger]

For the first time since owning boats, we are going to be leaving ours in the water during this coming winter in the upper Chesapeake. In the past (on land) we have done all the traditional winterizing chores and are wondering if there is anything special to be done if staying in water? What can be done about flushing out thru hull valves? Any thoughts on how late into the winter we can go before winterizing the engine and water systems?

 

[John]

Trouble lights on the trouble spots

I used to "live aboard" in Michigan year round. The ice in January-February would get 1 foot thick, and the bubblers wouldn't always keep up. It got darned cold! Maybe you could use this little trick I learned.Of course, the boat was heated, what about those unheated parts of the bilge and engine room? We would keep a trouble light with 60 watt bulb close to and shining on the through-hulls. They were the weakest point, as if the water inside freezes, it could crack the through hull; then when it thaws....!

 

[Mark Whitson]

In the Water

Every other winter we leave our boat in the water. We're located off the West river south of Annapolis. If your Marina has bubblers, you should be worry free. No ice should build up around the boat at all. Last year I winterized my boat around the middle of Dec. Took a heater to the boat and blew hot air on the engine for about 15 minutes to make starting the diesel a little easier. Then winterized the engine. When done I poured alittle antifreeze down the water intake through-hull, then replaced the hose. On all other thru-hulls. I again poured antifreeze down the drain into them etc. Along with the normal winterizing the head and water system I poured a little antifreeze into the bilge ran it through the bilge pump then added some more antifreeze. As for the light bulb idea...it works great!! You'll be suprised how much heat one little lightbulb puts off. I have even seen temp sensors at WM that will kick on your electricy when the temp gets below 40 and cuts off when above 60 or 65. Good luck

 

[JOE]

NO PROBLEM KEEP IT IN !!!

I OWN A 93' 35.5 IT'S BEEN IN N.Y.C. WATERS EVERY WINTER. ONE YEAR I WAS ABLE TO WALK AROUND THE BOAT ON 1 FOOT OF ICE. THESE BOATS COULD TAKE MORE THAN YOU THINK. DO WINTERIZE EVERYTHING. I'VE DONE THIS BECAUSE WITH MY FIRST BOAT I KICKED MYSELF FOR ALL THOSE GOOD SAILING WINTER DAYS. YES I RE-WINTERIZE MY ENGIN EVERY TIME ITS WORTH IT.ITS A GOOD IDEA IF YOU HAVE A DRIPLESS STUFFING BOX ALSO. KEEP ANTIFREEZE IN YOUR BILGE IF YOU DON'T HAVE DRIPLESS BOX. GOOD SAILING.

 

[JFun]

I agree with all the previously written comments. I kept one boat I owned in the water for several winters in a row on my dealers advice. The result was a case of blisters on a 5yr old boat. Other than that, I found the boat stayed cleaner and was fine through several severe winters. I would recommend hauling every other year. I was also on the Bay in Rock Hall Md.