Winterization ?

Forever Mates

Member
Aug 3, 2014
56
Owen Sound Ont. Canada
Boat Info
1996-Sea Ray 270 Sundancer 7.4l Single Garmin echoMap 50s
Engines
Single 7.4l Mercruiser Bravo 111 Drive
Hello I am able to store my 96 270 Dancer in heated storage this year. Just drain all water from engine as possible, and empty fresh water tank and drain plumbing system. Add fuel conditioner on last outing, First time with heated storage so just asking opinions. Thanks for any imput.
 
Carb'd or fuel injected (EFI or MPI)?

If you are 100% positive that you will NEVER lose power, it does make things easier. But, it only takes about 5 minutes to pour non-tox antifreeze into the engine/manifolds. And not much longer to ensure any pockets of water leftover in plumbing lines are protected. Plus, using the AF, you won't get interior rusting of the engine/manifolds. FYI, there are lot's and lot's of threads already on this forum - a little bit of searching will get you plenty of good info.
 
There's a few DIY winterizing videos on you tube.

It's pretty simple for a boat out of the water.

I would still do the antifreeze treatment just to be on the safe side.
 
Man alive...the only thing worse than knowing summer is half over is seeing posts about winterization. STOP IT!

Joking aside, be sure to change your oil too. Plenty of info around here. There are some camps that leave their fresh water tanks full, some that leave them empty for winter storage. Assuming you're on city water both seem viable. I would not leave a tank full of well water, however.
 
I put my boat in heated storage for 3 winters it was 700US a month for 6 months. I do not think it was worth it. But nothing froze. I can now winterize the boat in a day and it is in the same condition as it was when it was in heated storage. But if you do make sure the bilges and sumps are sucked dry, the black water tank is empty, your potable water tank is empty and all the taps are open (I did not blow down the potable water lines), we have a water maker so I pickled it. The heated storage was also where the marina worked on boats. In the spring our boat was covered with dust from shop work.
 
No one mentioned fogging the cylinders with fogging oil..... I always do, couldn't hurt!
 
We have been storing in heated storage for about 40 years. The only thing you really need to do is drain your fresh water tank, do a very thorough job of flushing and pumping the waste tank, do a very thorough job of defrosting and cleaning fridges, and the ice make if you have one. And do all of the fluid changes and maintenance your boat requires, and then store with all the switches off. Assuming you have a reliable storage facility, that is it. There is no need to trickle charge good batteries put away charged, fog engines, add antifreeze, etc. We store with hundreds of other customers and no one I know does any of those things. We have never had problems related to things freezing or not working due to cold. There can be other issues if you put things away wet and dirty. However, those are really self inflicted. Winter building temp is a constant 49-50 degrees.
 
feel like this is somewhat on topic...

how do you winterize your bilge pumps? pour antifreeze into the bilge and turn on the pump until pink comes out the thru hull?
 
feel like this is somewhat on topic...

how do you winterize your bilge pumps? pour antifreeze into the bilge and turn on the pump until pink comes out the thru hull?
We don't. It's 49 degrees in the building. There is no need to winterize if you have reliable storage. Turn the engines off, turn the breaker switches off, and walk away.
 
Is there anyone in the Seattle area with winterization tips? My boat is currently on a lift on Lake Washington so I can do all the work out of the water, but I do want to take it out in the winter for winter cruising - Is it necessary to winterize in the Seattle area?
 
Is there anyone in the Seattle area with winterization tips? My boat is currently on a lift on Lake Washington so I can do all the work out of the water, but I do want to take it out in the winter for winter cruising - Is it necessary to winterize in the Seattle area?

You should make your own new post. Title it: Winterizing In Seattle Question. Then ask your question. Many will not check this old post.

MM
 

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