Nervous about picking up a boat?

[Fiat4Fun]

So,
I think I am driving seven hours to pick up a '86 Chris Craft 21' with a Mercrusier Alpha one
The owner appears to been having the boat serviced and all, but you can never know everything about a 20+ year old boat.

But, the one thing I keep thinking about, is that I am driving north with it and next week is expected to be cold. I have made arrangements with my local dealer to do a fluid change, winterize and shrink wrap it, but what about the seven hours towing home? Are there some plugs to pull out? I was thinking of removing the hoses to the water pump and pouring some rv antifreeze in the motor. I sounds like the owner has not had it in the water for a few weeks, but I am nervous about water freezing inside before I get a chance to get the work done, and I will be driving down the highway at night for 7 hours with it.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Enjoy
Bob

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Nervous about picking up a boat?

Where do live that your need to worry about freezing temps? It was 26C here today?

With a cover on it even night temps below freezing should not be an issue if its warm during the day.

 

[Fiat4Fun]

Re: Nervous about picking up a boat?

Thanks for the reply.

I am picking up the boat in Northern California ( Tahoe area) and I live in Central Oregon. Temps should be in the 50's during the day, and lows in high 20's for next week. Winter time, is below freezing during the day and night, but I think winterizing the boat should take care of that.

So a short time of low temps should not be a issue?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[4JawChuck]

Re: Nervous about picking up a boat?

I'm in the prairies in Canada so freezing hasn't hit us yet but if your in the mountains it could be a concern, for the short time it is below freezin at night keeping the boat covered will prevent radiant heat losses from causing any frost damage.

I wouldn't worry about it trailering during the daytime, keep her covered at night and you will be fine...it would have to be a hard frost to cause any damage to such a heavy mass like an engine block that is warmed in the daytime.

If your really concerned there will be drain plugs you can remove from the engine block to get all the water out, I don't think it is necessary though.

Congrats on the new boat and take care driving home with it, I think you are in more danger from idiots on the road than from frost.

 

[Don S]

Re: Nervous about picking up a boat?

If you are at all concerned, you don't have to fully winterize the boat for the trip, just drain the block, manifolds, coolers etc. for the trip and don't worry about it.