1995 Searay 5.7 GM winterizing mods..

[Scott Danforth]

The way the cost of fuel is going I may spend my time and money fixing up my old sailboat..LOL

Fuel is the cheapest part of boating

If your JB weld job doesnt work, you not only overheat the motor, you flood the bilge and sink your boat

$75 in lumber, $8 in screws, $10 worth of chain, and a $20 come-a-long and you can build an A-frame and pull the motor

 

[flashback]

Fuel is the cheapest part of boating

If your JB weld job doesnt work, you not only overheat the motor, you flood the bilge and sink your boat

$75 in lumber, $8 in screws, $10 worth of chain, and a $20 come-a-long and you can build an A-frame and pull the motor

I could deal with it if it were just the fuel, but as you know, everything else has gone up with it and me being a retired old fart with a fixed income is feeling the pain..

I've had good luck with JB weld in many applications over the years. I patched up a freeze crack on an old log style manifold 20 years ago and the guy I gave the boat to is still using it..
You may remember when I got this current boat it was a freebee and you said " that's the worst kind" I tend to agree..

 

[flashback]

I glued the pipe nipple in and will put the ball valve on tomorrow. If you guys hear of someone stranded on Sand Island in the middle of the Tennessee river BRING BEER...

 

[flashback]

An update, I just put my engine back in service and can't say how much nicer it was with the ball valves. We had the coldest winter in memory and all is good. How long they'll last is another story..

 

[Lou C]

When I pull my boat out of the water at the end of Sept, I am installing a remote oil filter mount and extending the block drains with hoses that can be easily capped off. The idea is that there will be one hose on each side of the block that can be easily rodded out, if it doesn't drain, unlike Merc's system where it is all connected. Then all I have to do is remove the manifold drains at the rear of each one, disconnect lower end of the big hose on the circ pump, and drain (and fill with AF) the raw water intake hose. This allows me to winterize without having to pull out the heavy rear seats, all I have to do is remove the wood support on each side. Much easier and better for my old back.

 

[flashback]

I'm satisfied with the ball valves and like yourself I plan on a remote oil filter this fall.. the idea of bolting everything to the motor makes sense to a manufacturer. Just a few things to hook up for an install or removal but it makes it hard on shade trees like me..

 

[flashback]

I just put my boat back in service today, and no problems . The ball valves are working well for draining the block and steering cooler. Made life easy last fall winterizing and no leaks . I put a bit of silicone spray in the valves with a spray straw each time they sit for the winter. No drips and they move smoothly. Thanks for all the help around here it's appreciated, thought I'd update this thread.