Winterizing 1983 H33.5 Cherubini

[SMACGW]

Winterizing 1983 H33.5 Cherubini

I ran the fresh water out of the holding tank, put 2 gallons of the pink stuff in and opened the galley faucet, nothing, then the head faucet, nothing, same for the hot water side on both. I could hear the water pump whirring, but I can't get the fresh water tank with the 2 gallons of pink antifreeze, and a couple gallons of added water to pull through? Could the water pump be defective, it's an 1983? New Hot water heater doesn't heat the water, nor pull water through to faucets either?

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Sounds like not enough water in the tank to prime the pump

A water heater doesn't have any way to pull any water through it...it's just a tank. And the LAST thing you want to do is turn on the water heater breaker while there's antifreeze in it...that'll destroy the heating element. However, you should have drained and bypassed it before putting any antifreeze in the system anyway.

Complete instructions for winterizing plumbing are posted in the HeadMistress forum... Start over and follow 'em and you should be ok.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

"and a couple gallons of added water" - another no-no. Diluting the antifreeze destroys it's efficacy.
Drain the tanks, heater and simply flush pure antifreeze through the pump and lines.

 

[petersea]

It sounds like you may have lost the prime for the pump...it should be installed for self priming but some are not so you may need to prime the pump with antifreeze. Another option is to use compressed air and blow the tanks and lines clear of all water rather then use anti-freeze. Just to be safe after I blow the lines with air I still pump some pink antifreeze thru also, it may be redundant but I can tell you I have never had and winter freeze problem and it only takes ten minutes more.. You will need to bypass (and drain) the water heater because if you don't you will need about 12 gallons to antifreeze the system. Read Peggy's book and it will also tell you how to recommission the system in spring.

 

[Steve5516]

Cheribini Hunters

Including my boat, there are three Cheribini Hunters in the local area. One of John Cheribini's sons works here at the local West Marine and sails the Delaware River.

While none of us are experts...we have managed to resolve many of the issues dealing with an older classic and made upgrades that have enhanced these beautiful boats.

If you want to talk about how to address winterizing your boat (and how to modify systems to save time) "shoot" me an e-mail at steve.wilson2@va.gov.