Winterization Advice - Chesapeake Bay - Deltaville

J

Josh28161

Active Member
Feb 8, 2020
116
Deltaville
Boat Info
2004 280 sundancer
Engines
Twin 4.3
Alpha one/gen2
I purchased a 280DA this spring, so this will be my first fall/winter striper fishing with it. The boat is kept in a boatel that is not heated. I have always had outboards before this boat, so I am concerned about freezing, but plan to use the boat until the end of December. Its a 2004 so it has the blue knobs to do the quick engine drains, which I plan to do after each use, but I would also like to keep the fresh water system going as long as possible as well. So my question is directed to those of you that have or had experience in the middle bay area, how long can I wait before I absolutely should winterize the fresh water system, and how long can I wait before I start draining the blocks. I appreciate any/all advice.

Josh
 
Josh,

Sounds like you maybe in Norview’s boatel and if you are speak with a Doug the marina manager as was a mechanic in the area his entire life. I’m not in my covered slip D-7 now as I e moved down to the Tidewater area for awhile. Doug will watch the weather windows to determine when he will shut down the exposed domestic water lines on the docks. Good guy with a wealth of knowledge and good to meet him.
 
Those blue knobs are notorious for snapping off. Have a plan B ready.
 
My boat spent the winter months down at DYC the year before last getting some repairs done. The weather doesn't get that bad there and I don't think they really get hard freezes there before Jan. Walk in the office and speak to Lew. He is the owner and a great guy. He will be happy to offer you any guidance you need.
 
I wouldn’t trust the weather to not cause freeze damage after October. The bay will keep the air temps above freezing if the wind isn’t blowing out of the Canadian arctic but do you really want to take that chance with the freshwater system?

The motors hold the temperature better Than the plastic parts in the freshwater system so as long as it is not a hard 24 hour freeze the single point drains can buy you some boating time. I put antifreeze in my 4.3 after November regardless of the weather. If I go out in winter I drain the system and refill with antifreeze each trip out. A bit of a pain but the alternative isn’t worth it.

make sure you watch how much water comes out to be sure you have it all evacuated.

I boat year round when the weather permits from the tidewater area up to the middle bay. You are much better off running an outboard in the colder months.
 
No later than mid December and cover the vents to keep the night time cold out.

My question is, is it worth the risk to the systems?
 
I live aboard in the winter. Last winter I duct taped Reflectix over the intakes and plugged the bilge blower vent and other vents. Does anyone have an easy on / easy off method of covering the engine air intakes?
 
Blaster right. I drained my water system this week and still intend to use boat another month. Big difference between temps to freeze water system and engine. Besides, don’t pee on your hands and you won’t need the water system.
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Guess I’ll go ahead and winterize the fresh water system sooner than later.
 
If you go by the acorn crop this year, it’s going to be a cold wet winter
 
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