Re: WInterization vs in line heater
Purchased a 240 Sundeck, with 5.0L Merc I/O this past spring and live in the Carolinas. Winters are reasonably mild and am considering an in-line heater vs full winterization. Does anyone have expirence making this decision? What should I be concerned with other than potential power failures?
Thanks Jack
Howdy,
Welcome aboard!
I suppose by "in-line heater" you mean a heating element in a raw water hose etc. They're just about as reliable as a small space heater or lightbulb in the bilge/engine compartment etc.
You need to decide how much a "potential power failure" is worth to you. Is it worth a $5000 engine when either it fails or the power goes off or a GFI/CB trips on a cold few days and nights when you're out of town?
"Mild" winters have cracked MANY marine engines!
Draining the block and manifolds is not all that difficult, doesn't take very long to do and it solves all the problems.
Good luck,
Rick