Do I need to Winterize in the South?

[Learpilot2]

I have a Searay 215 Express cruiser inboard outboard. It is located outside in Hilton Head. Recently, the temps drop a few hours to 27 degrees, then back up to 40 degrees. I am out of town and have not winterized yet. The boat is covered. Will I crack the block, or is this not harsh enough weather to worry about until I return. How much does it cost to winterize something like this?

Thanks
Rick

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Do I need to Winterize in the South?

The safe answer is yes, you should winterize. The cost to have it done is a few hundred $$$. Lots of people do it themselves.

This is a situation where salt water helps as it lowers the freezing point into the mid-20's. Is this a salt water situation, being Hilton Head?

A few hours in the mid-20's may not give the engine a good freeze, but you never know, and the cost of not winterizing is about 10-15 times the cost of winterizing.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Do I need to Winterize in the South?

It would be wise to drain the water from the engine engine.

 

[BRG25]

Re: Do I need to Winterize in the South?

What engine do you have? Fresh or Raw water cooled?

Typically it is very easy to drain the water from the engine. Get the OEM service manual for your engine and it will tell you where the drain plugs are. On my 4.3 there are 5 plugs, 2 on the block, 2 on the exhaust manifolds, 1 on the circulating pump. Also drain the power steering cooler if you have one.

This is very easy to do and literally takes 5 minutes. I've never understood the lengths people will go to using drop lights or trying to suck antifreeze through a bucket or something when all you have to do is drain. When it begins to get colder in my area, I do it after every time I go out.

 

[scoflaw]

Re: Do I need to Winterize in the South?

This is very easy to do and literally takes 5 minutes. I've never understood the lengths people will go to using drop lights or trying to suck antifreeze through a bucket or something when all you have to do is drain. When it begins to get colder in my area, I do it after every time I go out.[/QUOTE]

Not everyones engine room looks the same, and twins make it that much more difficult. Not everyone is agile and skinny. The 5 minute drain does not apply to everyone. I personally wouldn't sweat a 25 degree nite and a 40 degree day.

 

[BRG25]

Re: Do I need to Winterize in the South?

He's got a Searay 215 Express cruiser and the pictures I've looked at online look pretty accessible. Of course we are not there so it's hard to tell however, if you've read many of these types of threads, the consensus is usually to drain the engine and manifolds when applicable.

<img>http://www.finedesign-marine.co.uk/boat_details_pages/boatimages/searay%20215/8.jpg</img>