bilge heater

J

jturbo

Member
Joined
Nov 15, 2005
RO Number
19570
Messages
25
So I understand winterizing when you pull your boat out during the winter. But I leave mine in the water for some occasional use.

I've installed a engine compartment heater that turns on when it gets below 40. I understand the risk of power failure with the engine heater route, but it still seams like a good option considering that we use it througout the winter months. I also flush out the fresh water tank and then fill it half full with 50/50 water and the pink stuff. Then I run water pump hot and cold to get the pink stuff coming out both of our faucets and through the hot water tank.

Anythink else I should be doing?
 
Sounds like you're ok; if you're not under cover, then you still need to check for clear scuppers, etc. Also, some recommend removing electronics to prevent exposure to cold - but I don't do this.
 
It depends on just how cold it may get. If it gets into the twenties then winterizing will be needed. Don't forget your bathroon appliances as well as the airconditioner. Water in the bilge and pumps may freeze as well. Transom showers and anchor wash hoses may have water in them. What I would do is winterize everything but the engines and not use them during the winter months. Try to drain the hot water tank by isolating it(bypassing) from the rest of the system rather than running the pink stuff thru it. That stuff becomes a source for some very sour smelling odors after the heater is used next time. If you have a generator it may be good if the engines are. However closing off seacocks and draining filters may be needed as well. Having never lived in areas where temps are borderline I am only speculating!
 
All is well, however (that's like a kind BUT), you are wasting a lot of pink in the hot water heater. You could save by draining the tank and buying a bypass kit. BF has them. Others have hooked up low pressure air to the dockside inlet and blown the system out. No water, no freezing. The really purists here flush with Vodka.
 
pink anti-freeze isn't designed to be diluted 50/50 with water. It should be used full strength.
 
Hey great replies! thanks!

I didn't realize the pink stuff needed to be used at full strength. I'll make sure I do that. And yes, that would make sense to just drain and maybe blow out the hot water heater. I don't have any other transom showers or anchor hoses onboard, so I'm ok there. I do make sure that the seacocks are closed off when I leave the boat. (too many horror stories with those failing!)

Thanks guys, really appreciate the info! I think I should be pretty safe. Come spring, I'll get a gallon or two of cheap vodka a flush the hot and cold water systems. Last spring I had a heck of a time flushing all of the pink stuff out, it just never seamed to totally come clean.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Gregory Saracco

pink anti-freeze isn't designed to be diluted 50/50 with water. It should be used full strength.

Click to expand...


Same goes for Vodka I'm afraid! You do have to worry about dilution. Too bad they don't sell everclear around these parts. In all seriousness, it would be perfect.

Unfortunately, it does get cold enough occasionally to freeze engines. Just because we have not had a really bad winter in the Northwest for a long time does not mean we don't get them (Where's that global warming when you need it?). It's no conincidence that the worst freezing weather is the most likely time for you to lose power at your marina. Eventually, you will get bit.

It's not a bad idea to have some plumbing pre-made and ready to easily fit to your raw water intake. That way, if a sudden storm hits you are prepared to take a quick trip to the boat, start her up and suck up some pink into the engine water intake. That's the very best method I know to sleep well at night and not have to worry.

bp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top