1997 240 Sundancer - planning the winterization

[Strecker25]

I replaced them with the Sierra plugs from west marine. They were about half the cost, so not quite as big of a hit. I essentially winterized the engines twice because the original plugs were leaking so next time I'll just buy new plugs and save 5 gallons of AF

 

[Lazy Daze]

I've got a whole bag of them that I keep in my mobile toolbox.... :smt101

This is what Strecker was referring to: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.ph...of-blue-water-drain-plugs?highlight=easy(ier) Usually, even if the ears break off, there's still enough left that the socket will grip onto. Plus, it does make starting those hard-to-reach ones easier.

 

[KHE]

I've got a whole bag of them that I keep in my mobile toolbox.... :smt101

This is what Strecker was referring to: http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/47398-Easy-(ier)-removal-of-blue-water-drain-plugs?highlight=easy%28ier%29 Usually, even if the ears break off, there's still enough left that the socket will grip onto. Plus, it does make starting those hard-to-reach ones easier.

I was not able to view that thread in the link - apparently, I don't have permission.

Next year, I am going to buy three of them as spares - I think the thermocycling makes them brittle over time. I'll check out the plugs from West Marine and see how they work.

 

[KHE]

I called my local West Marine thieves - $6.50 for the aftermarket plugs! My local marina who was out of stock when I broke the first one had the OEM part for $2.75.

I am almost done with the winterizing (I actually am done). I built an outdrive stand this evening and tomorrow morning, I'll pull the drive and take the boat to the storage facility.

Since I cannot control the logistics of the storage, I decided to pull the drive - I need to inspect the gimbal bearing and the u-joints. I can also shave a foot or two off the length for the storage fee as well as have the bellows in the compressed state. I'm taking the old girl to the storage facility in the morning. Sort of depressing that it'll be six months before I am at the helm again but oh-well...

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yup, this time of year is always a sad time for those of us in colder climates.

That post I linked to is in the Club/Tech Articles section - I always forget about this, but I think that section is only available to subscribing members.