Cold Snap-Engines still not winterized

[LDB270]

My 270 is still in the water and we’re supposed to get a cold snap here around Friday and Saturday, 27 at the water 24 inland a bit. My freshwater system is winterized but I can’t do the motors until I pull it out. I’m about an hour away and I don’t want to take any chances. I don’t have a bilge heater but I’m thinking of a few alternatives. Light bulb in the bilge(not my fav). I also thought why don’t I fill the hot water heater with rv antifreeze(currently bypassed and drained) and keep that on to heat the bilge. Thoughts?

Am I over reacting? I know the water temp is gonna be warmer. Will that keep the motors slightly above freezing?

Thanks guys

 

[Soulshine]

I’d put a few incandescent drop lights or a small electric heater in there.

Supposed to be 12’ here by Friday.

 

[kysearay]

I have used an enclosed oil radiator style heater, no exposed heating element or filament and that works very well. I actually use it all year in the engine compartment of my houseboat and will this year on my 420 just to knock the really freezing snaps come calling! Honestly i think it really depends on the water temps, if they are still in the 40/50 in your area then the water line will be good. Doesnt hurt to have some preventative warmth in there, plus it will make you feel better. I actually have Nest cams in my boats with a dial thermometer infront of them to monitor the temps - that is if you have wifi at your dock/marina?
chris

 

[B BARKER]

+1 on the oil heater.. cheap insurance...

 

[Cherman]

I haven't winterized anything yet on the boat. Still using it. The water temps are still in the 50's. My only concern is the water line to the anchor locker wash down. 4 ft. above the waterline and not sharing the warmth of the rest of the boat. Oil heater is an idea I have used a ceramic heater in a pinch before on another boat. But I don't think you are going to have a problem in your ER with the temps going above freezing during the day and the 50 degree water it's sitting in.
BTW water heater is insulated, so wouldn't help

 

[Creekwood]

You do not want to run the water heater with antifreeze in it. The smell of the burnt antifeeze on the heating element in the tank will stay and ruin the tank.

 

[Westie]

Why not just drain the water out of the blocks? Takes about 15 minutes to do. Way better solution than light bulbs or non ignition protected heaters in the bilge.

 

[sbw1]

We still have quite a few boats in the water here in Michigan that are headed for heated indoor storage. Therefore they are not winterized. It was 28 here last night. This is common and people do not get overly concerned as it is almost never a problem. The spring is different. Our boat is launched when the water is in the 30s. A cold snap is more of a threat n that situation. On really cold nights I sometimes warm the mains up to operating temps before going to bed. Engines retain heat and moderate temps in the bilge. On really cold nights I run a ceramic heater in the cabin and leave the door open. Never had a problem in Michigan's weather. We did have a cold snap in the teens for a few days in the spring time years ago that did cause problems for people who did nothing to protect engines. That weather was near record setting but it can happen. However, the forecasts are generally pretty accurate.

 

[Fat Tony]

Any worries about one cold over-night (upper 20's)? I'm not winterized yet, hoping to hold out till the end of the month. I'm on a lift...suppose I could drop it for the night as the water will still be in the 50's.

 

[CliffA]

Any worries about one cold over-night (upper 20's)? I'm not winterized yet, hoping to hold out till the end of the month. I'm on a lift...suppose I could drop it for the night as the water will still be in the 50's.

I would suggest you do just that....drop it in the water...as long as the water doesn't freeze neither will your engines....fresh water systems and toilets however could be a concern if a heater is not left on in the cabin with the head door left open....just depends on how cold it gets and for how long.....but you mentioned you had winterized these systems....

my boat survived a couple consecutive nights in the teens (very cold for this area) and water temps in the 40's without any winterizing during the time I was waiting to survey the boat after and offer.....the broker told me the bilge heater was plugged in.....I later found out it was not...imagine that....a broker lied to me..........my 'shocked face'....

cliff

 

[sbw1]

Wouldn't hurt to start the engines and warm them up and leave it in the water over night. If your potable water system is operating, a heater can give peace of mind. However, high twenties is not bad. Often those temps are the lows and occur for a short period of time after being in the 30s for hours before. Check your hourly forecast if you are nervous.

 

[Timeflys]

This time of year, even though the air temp is below freezing, it is the water temp that is the concern. I don't think 30f overnight and warming in the morning would be a problem.

 

[LDB270]

Thanks guys. I think I’m gonna be ok. I’m not worried about the engines anymore. I did try to head down this morning to take care of the ac and genset but had to turn around to pickup a sick kid. Heading to the boat after work tomorrow night to take care of them. I plan on warming up the engines too so it worked out perfectly. Probably over reacting but better off safe than sorry.

 

[JVM225]

I’m faced with the same dilemma with sub freezing temperatures forecast here for tomorrow night. I’m still in the water with nothing winterized.
My plan is to sleep on the boat tomorrow night in my skivvies with the heat blasting and the doors to both heads propped open along with any cabinets or drawers that might have waters line behind them. My fresh water tank is under the master berth where I’ll be slow roasting.
I like sleeping on the boat whenever I can anyway.
The engines and genie should be ok. If I start to get nervous about them I can always run them up to operating temperature, shut them down, and let the hot oil in the pans keep them toasty while I slow cook inside.
I’ve also got a 300 watt bilge heater that I’ll throw in the car just in case but I doubt that I’ll have to break it out of the box.