Summer is on the horizon, and you want to get your boat back where it belongs — on the water. The above guide will help you get there as soon as possible.
See full version: When is it Safe to Dewinterize Your Boat
Summer is on the horizon, and you want to get your boat back where it belongs — on the water. The above guide will help you get there as soon as possible.
Statistics and forecasts are good but never take into account all the particulars of a boat’s unique location. Some boat owners use homespun frost/freeze logic and put a small cup of water in the cockpit or on the boat’s trailer during questionable temperatures. The idea is that, if the water in the glass has not frozen, then the boat’s engine block is good. On the other hand, if the water in the glass starts to freeze, they drain the block with the idea that there is a time margin, as water in a glass will freeze way before anything in the motor. [links]
Here is the lowdown on how to know when the time is right, what to do if you dewinterize too early and more advice on getting your boat back in the water.
When the temperatures rise and the sun starts shining, it is tempting to dewinterize your boat right away. But is it time yet? The key is knowing when your area will see its last spring freeze. Dewinterize early and you risk exposing your boat engine to serious damage. Dewinterize late and you waste precious days that could be spent on the water.
What Exactly Do the Numbers Mean?
The expansion of water when it freezes takes place with tremendous force, as anyone who has left a full can of soda in the freezer knows. The force is enough to burst the strongest pipes and engine blocks if the water in them freezes. It is not possible to make a usable pipe or engine block strong enough to withstand this force. more
The process of winterizing boats depends heavily on the kind of boat you have. Different boa engines require different methods of winterization.
Power outages are common during things like winter storms. A heater can end up losing power at the exact moment when you’d need it most. That can mean the boat will freeze right after the heater fails and your boat engine could be ruined.
Draining your sanitation systems will not winterize them. There will still be enough water in the lines to cause serious freeze damage. You need to run antifreeze through the system to get it properly winterized. [links]
Without properly winterizing your boat, you run the risk of water freezing and causing the engine block to crack, resulting in having to replace the engine come the spring.
Sterndrives:
Now if you have an inboard engine with an outboard drive system, then you’ll have a few extra steps to follow. First, you want to keep your sterndrive in a downward position. Bring the temperature back up again. (Don’t forget to use your water source). Let that run for a couple of minutes. This will allow the coolant and fuel stabilizer to circulate throughout the lines, carburetor, and injectors.
To do this, you’ll have to be able to run the engine and get it up to operating temperature. The easiest way to do this is to leave your boat in the water if you can. If your boat is up on a trailer, you can attach a water supply through a hose with a suitable adaptor, that will allow for an uninterrupted supply of water to the engine. You do not want to run your engine without a water supply. [links]
Boat spring checklist 101 how to dewinterize a boat. As such, winterizing an outboard boat motor should be basically the same as that of the inboard motor. here
Boat in oakland united states silver is a cozy summer or. Attach a gear lube pump to the drain hole and pump new gear oil into the gearcase until it reaches the vent hole. here
Classic sailboat with cabin winter wren ii devlin. During the winter, a variety of little critters may found their way under your cover and have been hibernating in your boat.
How To Winterize A Boat Motor. A frozen bilge can sink your boat if you leave enough water in it at the end of the season. Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and let your engine run for 10 to 20 minutes when you winterize your boat motor.
1935 johnson outboard motors outboard vintage. Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and let your engine run for 10 to 20 minutes when you winterize your boat motor. more