Expensive Pink Stuff

So I have been winterizing my boats without any issues for the last 5 or 6 years. Last year I ran short a couple gallons when it was time to do the engines. I went to a local family owned marine store and picked up 2 gallons of the pink stuff,a brand I never used before. When I got to the register he said 38 bucks. I was like for 2 gallons? Well it was a concentrate for engines only to mix 50/50. It had like an oil consistency and was told that it was the best to use for engines. I made sure it went in towards the end of running the engine so it stayed in. Just wondering if anyone has a opinion on this? Is it worth running a gallon or 2 through the engine to finish rather than the $4 pink stuff? Just curious

Overkill.
Walmart sells Prestone (-50) and Stabil (-75) for $4. That is all you need if you use anything other than air.
Stay away from the alcohol based stuff though (Supertech and many other house brands).

Sound like you purchased dex-cool anti-freeze/coolant rather then an RV/Marine water system anti-freeze.

The first question that comes to mind is whether it's non-tox or not? "For engines only" makes it sound like it's not. That means you have to drain, collect and dispose of it in the Spring. Not terribly hard, but still an extra couple of steps. But, to answer your question, I don't really see the need for it. The pink stuff with the corrosion inhibitors (propylene glycol) has been a mainstay for decades. Maybe this stuff is better (can you tell us more about it?), but I'm thinking it's a case of diminishing returns.

I just bought two gallons of Toyota 50/50 extended life coolant for fifty dollars plus tax. I didn't want to mix unknown coolant with the Toyota stuff. I felt so ripped off. I love my boat but I just use the 4-5 dollar west Marine stuff with corrosion inhibitor.

I bought my polypropylene glycol stuff in Walmart this year for about 3 bucks a gallon. That’s all you need.