Stupid Winterizing question

dirtysparks · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 2428

Weatherman said it's supposed to drop below freezing the during the next few nights but it warms up to the 60s during the day. Do I need to take some precautions so the cold weather doesn't affect me? I'll be winterizing soon but I know I still have a few good days riding in. Will my boat be okay not doing anything as long as the freezing temperatures don't last longer than the night, or do I need to put it away for the year?

Thanks

vette74 · Posted: Sep 29, 2004 5:14 am Post subject:

Put a light in your engine compartment. That should work until you are ready to winterize.

tommyadrian5 · Addict Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 907

it takes a good 24 hours of consistent freezing temperatures to damage an engine, if you want to be on the super safe side drain the block and manifolds, then you have no worries

Fishmaster · Posted: Sep 29, 2004 6:05 am Post subject:

I bought a $15 heater with a "anti freeze" mode which turns it on at 40. We only get a handful of freezing nights each year so I put that in the engine comparment to make sure it does not freeze. There are also true marine products available for this as well but they cost a lot more.

On my Marine Power engine I also drain the water out, which consists of opening a stopcock on the block, removing the ?knock? sensor on the other side of the block and removing a plug at the bottom of each water manifold. It only takes a couple of minutes.

I think the fogging is mostly if your putting the boat away for 3-4 months.

miked · Soul Rider Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 282 City: nor cal

MonsterTower, Where did you pick up the heater from.I am planning on riding all winter so draining the block every day is out of the question.I have small heaters but none with the "anti freeze" mode .Thanks......m.

tommyadrian5 · Addict Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 907

you can easily get a temperature sensitive plug adaptor from home depot or a hardware store, just set it to turn on below 40 degrees and you are fine

miked · Soul Rider Joined: 26 May 2004 Posts: 282 City: nor cal

tommyadrian5, thanks.......m.

gotama176 · Soul Rider Joined: 19 Aug 2004 Posts: 341 City: Columbus

I have the same situation as dirtysparks, anybody else use the light in the engine compartment? I want to make sure it works. My boat is under a carport right next to the house. I would expect to see a couple of nights getting into the upper 20's lower 30's before I want to winterize. Trying to make it until Halloween Twisted Evil

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

the ligthbulb works. I recommed you use the rough-duty lightbulbs that are used in shop lights. It has multiple filiments so if on breaks or burns out, it stays on. Make sure the lightbulb is not touching the hull or engine and cannot be dripped on with oil. Hang it from something.

Liquid*Force*Rider · Posted: Oct 04, 2004 6:47 am Post subject:

i just put a little Black and Decker heater in there at it worked great

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

I'd be interested in this heater also MonsterTower, where'd you get it?