Winterizing the boat

[dwaynec]

This is the first year that our boat will be pulled and stored on land for the winter. In the past we have always stayed in the water and used bubblers to keep the ice away from the boat.

My question is what is the best way to winterize the seacocks for temps that can dip down and stay below zero for several days. In the water I would blow antifreeze through them and close them while I was blowing and then pour more antifreeze in on top of them and leave them closed. Others I know just open the ball valves and let them drain on land, but there have been some that had ruptured seacocks from water that was trapped around the valves.

Should I drain the seacocks, fill with antifreeze and leave them closed, fill with antifreeze and let them drain or .......?

Also the holding tank, do you pour antifreeze into that also?

Thanks,

 

[yachtsmanbill]

By all means, open the seacocks and let them ALL drain. Leave them open. When you open the strainers and drain them they should break the vacuum. All other strainers need to be dry also! I have several mounted at 45's and hold water. Pull the covers and suck 'em dry with the shop vac.
Now is the time service stiff / frozen valves as well! ws

 

[dwaynec]

Thanks, Bill. I appreciate the help.

 

[spartonboat1]

No mention of toilets, AC sys, or engines. What do you intend to do with them. P.s., I use the -100 pop for the engines, just in case I don't perfect pumping of pop through an engine.

Anyway, curious, since no mention.

 

[dwaynec]

I have been winterizing the boat in the water for years now. As part of that I have had plenty experience with the engines, water, ac, heads, etc. It is just the first time that I have had to deal with seacocks. When the boat was in the water I always had a bilge heater running so I wouldn't have to worry about water freezing in the seacocks. This year it is different. On land and with no power to help keep things warm.