Winterizing Question

[boater2018]

Dumb question here....I usually winterize around the end of October before we have a few nights that are below freezing temps. We have a couple of nights next week that are projected to be 31 degrees or so with daytime temps around 60 and a little above. I have some work that I need to do really bad and don't need to make the hour and fifteen minute drive to winterize this weekend. I am thinking a couple of cold nights with those nice daytime temps should be fine for it to sit with water in the block, but just wanted to be sure. My thoughts are that you really need a whole day or 2 of freezing temps over night and cold temps during the day to really be at higher risk. Also, I may want to take another ride to see some fall colors before winterizing so trying to put it off another couple of weeks. Other than those 2 nights, the forecast looks great.

 

[WaveDancer01]

Dumb question here....I usually winterize around the end of October before we have a few nights that are below freezing temps. We have a couple of nights next week that are projected to be 31 degrees or so with daytime temps around 60 and a little above. I have some work that I need to do really bad and don't need to make the hour and fifteen minute drive to winterize this weekend. I am thinking a couple of cold nights with those nice daytime temps should be fine for it to sit with water in the block, but just wanted to be sure. My thoughts are that you really need a whole day or 2 of freezing temps over night and cold temps during the day to really be at higher risk. Also, I may want to take another ride to see some fall colors before winterizing so trying to put it off another couple of weeks. Other than those 2 nights, the forecast looks great.

If the boat is in the water, the water will be above 32, and the warmth from the water temperature should keep the engine from freezing. At least is what I have been told. I hate this time of year exactly because of this. I try to wait until winterize in the beginning of December. Sometimes we have the same temperatures you are talking about. Where it will get down to 30-32 for a few hours in the morning. We live 10 minutes from the boat. In the past I have put the boat in the water for the night or I drain the block. I never know when to winterize as I try to stretch the season as much as possible.

 

[Golfman25]

You'll likely be fine. You need a "hard" freeze to crack a block.

 

[Pirate Lady]

And won’t happen in one night. As said, it’s actually better in water than out. Water temps are still relatively warm.