Winterizing for in-water storage

[Mauro C. Dal Canto]

I am going to leave my Hunter 40 in the water this winter, since nearby Hammond Marina has a bubbling system. Are there special techniques for winterization in these circumstances? I would also be interested in advice for winterization of the engine, besides all the other plumbing.Thank you,Mauro

 

[Peggie Hall/Head Mistress]

You MAY not need to winterize...

It depends upon how cold the water gets. The hull takes its temperature off the hull, so unless the water freezes hard, neither will anything below the waterline. If you're on shore power and have heat, you definitely won't need to winterize--although you could have a whopping electric bill. However, if you do, there are instructions the Head Mistress forum Reference Library (on the right side of the forum home page).

 

[Paul Akers]

Winterizing the engine

Basically, I do two things. After warming up the engine:1) I suck antifreeze (pink stuff) into the heat exchanger by disconnecting the intake hose and letting the engine siphon the pink antifreeze into the raw water cooling system. (The engine block already has antifreeze in it). When I see the pink exhausting, I cut off the engine. All done.2) Loosen the belts. Unnecessary pressure may slightly bend the shafts on the alternator and/or water pump.

 

[Bill]

Thru Hulls

You need to sure that your hoses and thru hulls are clear of water. The first method is to close the seacock and attach a hose to it with a funnel on it. Fill with the pink anti-freese. Open the seacock and let the ant-freeze run thru and shut quickly. This will ensure that you have antifreeze in any of the seacock cavities. Reattach the original hose. You can get thepink stuff for about $2.50 a gallon.The other method is to blow air through the seacock while open and close while still blowing. (no commnets) You can use your lungs or a two dirctional vacuum cleaner.

 

[Paul Akers]

Fuel Winterization

I should have mentioned before about preparing your fuel for the winter, also. It is your discretion to add a fuel stabilizer to the diesel fuel for your winter storage. It can be purchased at at automotive store. Once you have added the stabilizer, you should top off your tank (this is always open for discussion - see the archives)with fuel to eliminate too much space for condensation in a partially empty tank. Then run the engine to get the stabilized fuel into the fuel lines. Proceed with the rest of the recommended winterization.