How much winterizing do I need?

[foxglove]

I keep my boat in the Chesapeake Bay near the Rt 50 Bay Bridge. For the first time this winter, I am leaving the boat in the water. My marina has a bubble system and most of the boats never haul out for winter.

Do I need to winterize the engine? It''s the raw water type. What about the water tanks? They live below the water line under the settees. Should I empty them, antifreeze them? I don''t live aboard and would rather not leave a heater or any other appliance running while I''m gone. Any thoughts appreciated.

[Jeff_H]

I live in Annapolis just a few miles south of the Bridge. While our winters vary from year to year, but I typically winterize my engine and water systems and drain the water tanks. I, lik emany Chesapeake frost biters, have a Y valve on my engine cooling water that allows a quick winterization of the system when I get back from a sail. There is often great sailing all year round. Last year I was frozen in for 5 weeks which was a record long freeze.

Jeff

[Yodagwb]

Foxglove- I to just moved to the Chesapeake and will be leaving the boat in this year. I have mixed feeling about it. It is my understanding that you do your typical winterization, the same as if you were pulling the boat out, keeping in mind that drain lines will need treating due to the fact they will not drain as they do when pulling. It is also advisable to tarp or tent the boat to control snow load. Good luck

[foxglove]

Thanks to you both

[Bruceo1]

By coincidence, I keep my boat near Annapolis and are planning on keeping her in the water for the first time this Winter. I''ve got a question about leaving water in the water lift muffler. Is there any danger of damage from freezing?

Thanks

Bruce

[Jeff_H]

Depending on the winter you can expect to have problems with your water lift muffler if you do not winterize it. I typically run antifreeze through the raw water side of the engine until I see it come out the exhaust. With experience I have learned that on my current boat''s 3GM30 that means roughly a gallon to a gallon and a half of water/antifreeze mixture. I have been using a biodegradable engine anti-freeze for the past few years rather than an automotive antifreeze, which technically should not be discharged into the Bay. Most winters you can sail almost every weekend if you are hardy enough. As I mentioned earlier I typically drain and add antifreeze to the water tanks and potable water supply system and flush antifreeze through the head and saltwater supply system.

To touch on the earlier comments, I typically do not tent my boat. We generally do not get enough snow to justify the nuisance of tenting.

[geohan]

For winterizing your water lift muffler would an installed drain plug or valve work? Be convenient without or with a long stemmed operating knob?? Just a thought that may or may not serve the purpose.

[Jeff_H]

All you really need to do is run antifreeze through the raw water side of engine and exhaust with the engine running and the waterlift is protected.

Jeff