The winter lay up

[Trojan]

What type of lay-up do you guys like for your water systems? Antifreeze or air blow out? I have always used antifreeze. This year I just might try the air blowout. I don't know if I trust that. What do you think?

BILL

 

[Boatsb]

I have done both over the years when I lived in the frozen north and came up with the combo solution. I ran antifreeze in then drained it and blew out what I could with air to make re commissioning easier. If anything lays in a low spot you are OK and less pink to clear out in the spring.

FWIW I am sitting in the salo n with the door open at 7:30 on a warm (75 degree) bug free night as I read this and I feel for you a little.

 

[MikeP]

"I don't know if I trust that."

You have answered the question!

 

[Jaxfishgyd]

Winterizing.... hauling your boats for the winter.... shrink wrapping......
As long as our ice maker works, life is good
On a serious note...There ARE a few weeks when we can't leave the dock

 

[TopHattandTails]

...how about heated indoor??? no winterization and makes waxing much more relaxing.

 

[34Hatt]

I have done both over the years when I lived in the frozen north and came up with the combo solution. I ran antifreeze in then drained it and blew out what I could with air to make re commissioning easier. If anything lays in a low spot you are OK and less pink to clear out in the spring.

FWIW I am sitting in the salo n with the door open at 7:30 on a warm (75 degree) bug free night as I read this and I feel for you a little.

That combo is how I do it works very well and you use less pink stuff!
Air alone is N.G and I even have more experience now then Scott.

Oh yeah Scott one FCB salute for you buddy

 

[Boatsb]

Thanks Dan.

Lately I winterize the boat by adding a sweatshirt to the dresser. Seems to work. The only ice problem I have had in years is lack of for my drinks.

 

[bobk]

When I used to winterize my trawler, I drained as much water as possible, opened the pipe connections at the water tank and then sucked the water out with a wet/dry vacuum by opening one tap at a time working down the line. When the gurgling stops, there is not enough water left, even in the low spots, to create a problem. I did this from 1986 when I bought the boat until 2001 after which I took it south for the winters. Never a problem, and no flushing pinc stuff to dewinterize. Now if you use vodka..........

Bob Kassal
Chateau de Mer
1981 48MY

 

[Boatsb]

When I used to winterize my trawler, I drained as much water as possible, opened the pipe connections at the water tank and then sucked the water out with a wet/dry vacuum by opening one tap at a time working down the line. When the gurgling stops, there is not enough water left, even in the low spots, to create a problem. I did this from 1986 when I bought the boat until 2001 after which I took it south for the winters. Never a problem, and no flushing pinc stuff to dewinterize. Now if you use vodka..........

Bob Kassal
Chateau de Mer
1981 48MY

Then Randy will come out and help commission it in the spring.

 

[fissioneng]

I think it all depends on your location. Here in Virginia, boats stay in the water all year, but we do get freezing temps. I have engine room heaters and most of the plumbing is located in the engine room. The water we float in actually provides some warmth when the air gets cold. I just blow out with air and have had no problems. It allows me to use the boat if we get a nice day. I just recharge the water system and go. Then blow back out when I get back.

Of course, I don't winterize the engines either.

If I were farther north, I would use antifreeze for sure.

 

[ron6785]

I like to layup in the Caribe or Bahamas. Beats the heck out of antifreeze!!

 

[rsmith]

When we had the 34 we kept it behind our house in Wildwood Nj. First couple of years we hauled it. Then we decided to leave it at the dock so we could go cod fishing up until the first of the year. I remember seeing a foot or better of ice in Jan but the boat moved around enough that it never froze up to the hull. Never needed a bubbler or anything. We lost a couple poles one year but it was in a unocupied slip.We always poured some antifreeze in the bilge so the pump wouldnt freeze.