Winteriztion on a Southern Lake

[Rob Rich]

Cross-listed on MidSize SightHey Folks - I have read many articles on winterization for Northern climates, but what do Southerners do?My C-27 is kept on an inland lake that never really gets below 55 degrees. The boat stays in the water 365 a year.I am concerned about a "hard freeze" that could blow cooling hoses or cause worse problems in the cooling jacket. Normally I would simply drain the jacket by closing the seacock and disconnecting the cooling hoses. However, I plan to sail just about every weekend this "winter," and that would present a bit of a problem.So - if any one has some pointers, I could use 'em. Thanks!Rob

 

[Ron Chandler]

Plumb for antifreeze

I don't know what your engine type is. But I have a 5411 raw water cooled. Just above the mixing tee I installed another tee with a ball valve and hose. When I am done using the boat I put the hose from my tee in a jug of "pink" antifreeze and close the seacock and open my ballvalve. The engine sucks up the antifreeze and I wait till some spurts out the exhaust. About 2 quarts. Never had a problem and now it is 20 degrees. If you have shore power maybe a ceramic heater to keep from freezing?Works great for me!

 

[Marc Honey]

No worries

My 28.5 w/2 cyl. Yanmar has survived on Lake Travis for 13 years without any sort of winter prep. As you note, surface temp. of Travis seldom gets below 55 or so even in a hard freeze and your boat being in contact with the water should keep it plenty warm. My fresh water system has never frozen up either. My Yanmar does have a closed system with antifreeze in it as well as raw water cooling.I'd say just get out there and use it!!!