will 29 deg. crack my block?

[lrdchaos]

Just took my boat in to get it winterized on thursday. It's supposed to get to 29 on tuesday morning, but supposed to warm to the 60's that day. So it won't be a hard freeze, I was going to call the dealership and see if they could at least blow it out. If they cant should I worry or is that not cold enough for long enough? Whats your opinion/ Thanks

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

It shouldn't but I would drain mine If I knew it was going to be below freezing tonight.

Nothing like cutting it close huh?

Probably time to get yourself a service manual and learn to do it yourself. It probably takes about as long as it takes to hook up the boat and drag it to the dealer as it does does to do it yourself.


Cheers,


Rick

 

[Don S]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

I have seen about a 20? temp difference between here and work and what the weatherman says it's expected to be. Do you feel lucky?????

 

[chiefalen]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

I bet if you drain the block and manifold one or two times, you be able to do it in 15-20 minutes tops.

And please leave your out drive in the fully down position.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

It takes less than 10 minutes if you practice.......
Call the dealership & see if it is done, if not, do it yourself....
It can't take more than an hour, even for the most inept.....

 

[180shabah]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

I agree, drain it. Everything else can wait a few weeks if it must.

 

[ziggy]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

should I worry

if it were mine, i would. i agree w/dons, the weatherman don't know all and anytime he says it's even getting close to freezing, i'm out draining the block and manifold. agree w/others too. might as well learn to do it yourself. then ya can drain it and know it won't freeze. freeze cracks are preventable with a small amount of time invested... the consequences of draining too late are very serious and expensive...

side note. it's 32* out right now per noaa at my location. has been for about an hour. my outside thermometer says 36* and my glass of water in the backyard is not started to freeze yet... this time of year i watch the est. forecast temps close. picked a nice day to winterize since the est. temps were forewarned. my boat was drained empty a week ago and two days ago reconfirmed it was empty and filled w/anitfreeze.... so, i'm not worried..... preventative maint. goes along way to peace of mind....

 

[orion25]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

I bet if you drain the block and manifold one or two times, you be able to do it in 15-20 minutes tops.

And please leave your out drive in the fully down position.

Just drained my 5.0 MPI since it is going to be about 30 degrees here tonight. 7 plugs took less than 5 minutes. Second time I have done it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Do you feel lucky?????
It takes less than 10 minutes,..
It can't take more than an hour, even for the most inept.....

Ayuh,.... I Agree whole heartedly.....

Water Freezes at 32?,....

 

[Rhadley]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Or you could cheat and move to Houston where it rarely dips below 32....

 

[gdombroski]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

How about if its in 45+ degree water with engine at or below water level?

 

[Bondo]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

How about if its in 45+ degree water with engine at or below water level?

Ayuh,....

Roll the Dice,+ let Us know what happens.......

 

[MTribe08]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Or you could cheat and move to Houston where it rarely dips below 32....

Good point...For those of us living in Arizona or states with mild winters, what do you guys reccomend for us as far as putting the boat away for the winter? I assume draining the block is just good practice wherever you are, but anything else?

Thanks

 

[180shabah]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Check out the winterizing sticky at the top of the page.

 

[MTribe08]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Check out the winterizing sticky at the top of the page.

Thank you.

 

[gdombroski]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

Ayuh,....

Roll the Dice,+ let Us know what happens......

I would think that there has to be a better answer to my question of what if its in 45+ degree water. Might be wrong, but I understood that it actually provides an insulating effect when the air is colder then the water temp.

 

[180shabah]

Re: will 29 deg. crack my block?

I would think that there has to be a better answer to my question of what if its in 45+ degree water. Might be wrong, but I understood that it actually provides an insulating effect when the air is colder then the water temp.

Bottom line - anytime the air temp hit 32 you are at risk. Higher water temp do provide a little "heating" to the bilge but to what extent? Lotsa variables - overall size of the engine compartment, how much air exchange (due to wind)while at rest, etc, etc. People who leave thier boats in the water all winter typicaly take additional precautions like draing the cooling system and adding a bilge heater - NOT A LIGHT BULB. If you are not willing/able to take the precautions, then you are rollin' the dice regardless of the water temp.