Winterization Walk Through

[skier_88]

I've never done that, but I don't see why not. I know the boat pulls antifreeze in pretty quick and I don't think you would have to crank for more than 60 seconds. Just do it 10 sec or so at a time and the starter won't get too hot.

EDIT: I like the new avatar.

which avatar do you see? I'm hoping the closed bow? I don't see what one for some reason

[martinarcher]

which avatar do you see? I'm hoping the closed bow? I don't see what one for some reason

Yep...staring at the Skier nose to nose.

[99response]

Big thanks TO: Bill Air junky, 99response, and martinarcher for leting me have the hard truth, there are simply no short cuts to this process. So the experiment is done. I draind the liquid from the Engine Block thru the knock sensor.... totaly water with a bit of rv fluid. put it in freezer for 3hrs totally slush on its way to becoming a hard chunk of ice totally capable of cracking a block. the rest of the system was totally dilluted as well. drained the manifolds and same thing just a little more pink, turned into slush as well.... I just dodged a disaster bid lesson learned. I'm sure none of you are surprised of the results.

That's it I will no longer hold back the idiot bomb...

Thanks for the followup on the experiment, I'm actually surprised it got slushy in just the freezer.

-Chris

[Michigan boarder]

Bump. This is a good topic about winterizing.

[Slayer]

Good bump. There's some great information on here to follow. This year will be the first year I have winterized a boat like this. I have always winterized the pontoon, but it's an OB, so super easy and nowhere near as financially problematic if not done correctly. I have read this thread with great interest. In someone's post, a manifold drain is mentioned. I don't have one of those, but I do have the plugs (ones with the 1/2" drive) that are installed in the stern side of the manifolds. I have one that will not budge. I have soaked it in PB blaster repeatedly and have had no luck. I'm going to hit it with some heat with hopes that I can break it free. In any case, I'm going to follow the advise of those of you in colder climates who swear by antifeeze. Since I have no heat or power in my garage....yet.....I'll be doing as suggested. I really like Martinarcher's system re-using the antifreeze for a few years. Saves both cash and waste.

I really hate thinking about this but it's a necessary evil. I plan on skiing this weekend, next weekend, etc. and likely won't pull the boat out until mid-end of October. Since I don't have a wet or dry suit, I'm going to ski until I can't take the cold water any longer!

[sunvalleylaw]

Bumping this.  In researching this here, this seems a pretty complete thread.  In my thread, I have oil changed, everything drained, and still need to fill tank with Stabil, pour RV 50 AF into upper heater hose, and J- hose, then figure out how to build me a bucket to connect to the system somewhere and pull some RV 50 through, AFTER removing thermostat.  That I need to find.  I am still a newb to a lot of this mechanical stuff.  

But figured this was a good bump as it seems a good complete run through.