Winterize engines

msballin

Member
May 30, 2008
259
Islip Terrace, Long Island
Boat Info
2000 340 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 7.4L Horizons w/ Hurth V-Drives
Been raining all day and haven't been able to get in bilge to winterize engines. Temps tonight dropping to mid 20's F. Do I risk any damage if I wait til morning as the sun is fading. I'll gladly work under the lights when rain starts if that is suggested. Thx in advance.

Mike
 
How long in the 20's? You need extended time to do any real damage. Safest bet would be to pull the plugs and let water drain out but I don't think you'll be at much risk
 
Thx for quick reply. About 12 hrs. This concern is for raw water jacket around closed cooling system w antifreeze (fresh water cooled horizons)
 
Is the boat still in the water and how cold is the water temps?
20's here tonight but the water temps are still in the upper 40's. These water is a great insulation.

I'm kinda in the same boat so to speak. I did run down yesterday and plug in my bilge heater and cover my vents
 
12 hours is a bit of a stretch if it’s truly in the 20s the whole time

I’ve heard folks having good luck by stuffing towels in the vents and just putting a incandescent shop light in there to keep a little heat going.
 
Is the boat still in the water and how cold is the water temps?
20's here tonight but the water temps are still in the upper 40's. These water is a great insulation.

I'm kinda in the same boat so to speak. I did run down yesterday and plug in my bilge heater and cover my vents
Boat on the hard...and yes I agree w water temp would be no worries. Lazy Daze mentioned the incadescent bulb as well. Going to rig something up and stuff the vents. Thx much
 
Big thanks to all for your suggestions. Stuffed vents and placed 60W incadescent lamp between engines. Outside temp this morn 22...bilge temp 34. Grateful. Wishing all an easy winter and great holidays.

All the best to yas!

Mike
 
Big thanks to all for your suggestions. Stuffed vents and placed 60W incadescent lamp between engines. Outside temp this morn 22...bilge temp 34. Grateful. Wishing all an easy winter and great holidays.

All the best to yas!

Mike

You should have no problem. I left a water bottle in my car overnight in these temps and it was not even slushy this morning. In the future on the 8.1s you can use the air bleed system if available and drain via the blue plugs. I would not leave it all winter but the more water that is out the less you have to worry.

I am usually more concerned about my fresh water systems on board during these early snap freezes. That is why I winterize them right away.

-Kevin
 
You should have no problem. I left a water bottle in my car overnight in these temps and it was not even slushy this morning. In the future on the 8.1s you can use the air bleed system if available and drain via the blue plugs. I would not leave it all winter but the more water that is out the less you have to worry.

I am usually more concerned about my fresh water systems on board during these early snap freezes. That is why I winterize them right away.

-Kevin

Im always amazed at the difference inside vs out on these cold days. I'm obsessive so I leave a thermometer inside the bilge all year - the minimum temps are never anywhere near what they are measuring outside.
 
You should have no problem. I left a water bottle in my car overnight in these temps and it was not even slushy this morning. In the future on the 8.1s you can use the air bleed system if available and drain via the blue plugs. I would not leave it all winter but the more water that is out the less you have to worry.

I am usually more concerned about my fresh water systems on board during these early snap freezes. That is why I winterize them right away.

-Kevin
I've the last year of the 7.4's and not familiar w any air bleed system. Hmmm... But, pink going through today and I concur w fresh water systems on board. They get winterized at the marina before I bring her home. 1st time in 11 years this happened. Good to have alternate plans. Thx. BTW..where are you docked in season?
 
I've the last year of the 7.4's and not familiar w any air bleed system. Hmmm... But, pink going through today and I concur w fresh water systems on board. They get winterized at the marina before I bring her home. 1st time in 11 years this happened. Good to have alternate plans. Thx. BTW..where are you docked in season?

Sorry the air bleeder may only be on the 8.1s. Otherwise, you may just need to drain without pressurizing.

-Kevin
 
I've the last year of the 7.4's and not familiar w any air bleed system. Hmmm... But, pink going through today and I concur w fresh water systems on board. They get winterized at the marina before I bring her home. 1st time in 11 years this happened. Good to have alternate plans. Thx. BTW..where are you docked in season?

For the future: If you have access to electric you may want to look in to picking yourself up one of these.

https://www.boatownersworld.com/xtreme-large-600-watt-xxxheat-boat-bilge-heater.html

They are thermostat controlled so will only come on when needed.
I’m still in the water, but put mine in the bilge yesterday afternoon just for peace of mind after having small patches of ice on my dock. It’s very unlikely that it even kicked on, but I had a good night’s sleep.
 
For the future: If you have access to electric you may want to look in to picking yourself up one of these.

https://www.boatownersworld.com/xtreme-large-600-watt-xxxheat-boat-bilge-heater.html

They are thermostat controlled so will only come on when needed.
I’m still in the water, but put mine in the bilge yesterday afternoon just for peace of mind after having small patches of ice on my dock. It’s very unlikely that it even kicked on, but I had a good night’s sleep.

Thank you for this. Never considered as weather in early November is usually not like this. But....will most likely grab one. Peace of mind .. valuable!
 

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