To winterize or not to winterize...

[choctaw]

This will be my second winter with a boat, so I'm still a bit new at all of this. I like to use my boat year round, and did last year. I'm in West Texas, so it does get cold and freeze, but not like what you guys up north experience. Last year I had an old boat with an outboard. Becuase of the age I really didn't care so much about the risk. This year I have a newer stern drive. Since I have more money in it, I'm a bit more concerned. A friend told me to keep the tarp on and place a ceramic heater by the engine on the really cold nights. Feedback?

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: To winterize or not to winterize...

Hey Choctaw, I too have a new 350 Mag MPI, with an Alpha 1 sterndrive. Here is Louisiana, is much like Texas, that we have darts of cold nights, and I plan to be able to run my boat at least one day out of each month, in the winter. I do have the one knob turn winterizing system on my engine. In addition to that, as an extra precaution, it has been suggested on those cold nights to wrap it with an Electric Blanket. Seems reasonable to me! How about any other southerners with experience with this?

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: To winterize or not to winterize...

If you go to JH Whitney's web site or probably any auto parts store, you can find thermal engine covers for like $10 that will keep the engine's heat from dissapating for like 24 hours. So you warm your engine, cover it with the mylar type cover, and you're good for at least 24 hours.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: To winterize or not to winterize...

Personally i think you are flirting with disaster using a heater in an engine compartment.Running a few gallons of antifreeze through the motor on the nights in question is safer,cheaper,and overall better for the motor.Charlie

 

[Bondo]

Re: To winterize or not to winterize...

Know where your Drains are,+ Use them.......<br />I'll be draining after Every trip, Now till Freeze-Up.....

 

[choctaw]

Re: To winterize or not to winterize...

Thanks for all the feedback.