Winterizing the ballast tank

[Joe Fisher]

Are there any possible techniques that can be used to winterize the ballast tank while in the water?Has anyone used antifreeze to winterize the ballast tank in a Hunter 26?

 

[Ricky Gravitte]

winterizing 260 ballast

I have a 260 and I thought about using a pump on a drill to take out some water and add rvantifreez thur the vent hole. But I have have never done it. I always end up taking the boat out of the water for the winter.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

let me respond since I am the expert here

The question is where the boat is located. If you are in a moderate climate, then probably the answer is yes. Not a problem at Smith Mountian Lake, VA and Kerr Lake, NC for examples. If the water does freeze, then you need to take the boat out unless you put bubblers in and keep the boat heated very well. That being the case, you will freeze your tush off. Addition of RV antifrezze into the tank is about worthless as it will take alot which requires exspense and the removal of alot of water.If you have any further questions, call gregg emerson at hunter and ask for my phone number. I wrote the books on the 23.5, 240, 18, 26 & 260.kCrazy dave conddon me cannot spel jimbo

 

[Stan Chapman]

It should be easiest to remove enough water

Pulling your 260 out and dumping about 1/3, or (as in my case) using my transom shower to pump a substantial amount out will give you some margin of safety from frozen ballast expansion--I have no real experience from frozen water, so this is theoretical advice! What do you think Dave?