Winterizing bilge pumps?

[Wee Hooker]

Running my first ever freshwater boat that has both a bilge pulp and live well system.
I'm wondering if they pump dry or if I should be thinking about running some antifreeze through them before parking it (outside)for the winter. What do you other northerners do?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Winterizing bilge pumps?

Make sure they are empty...... if you are concerned about them not being completely empty ...... use some RV antifreeze in the lines (available at walmart) and if it spills it is non toxic to animals.

 

[SKEETR]

Re: Winterizing bilge pumps?

Probably just shoot some compressed air thru the intake/discharge port in case there is a belly in the line.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Winterizing bilge pumps?

I've never thought about that before. I've also never had an issue with my pump freezing. From my personal experience I would say just make sure that the bilge is dry and the boat cover is water tight. My pump sits in a puddle so I suck it dry with a shop vac before I put on my tarp for the season.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Winterizing bilge pumps?

Running my first ever freshwater boat that has both a bilge pulp and live well system.
I'm wondering if they pump dry or if I should be thinking about running some antifreeze through them before parking it (outside)for the winter. What do you other northerners do?

Just a coupla thoughts:

My 20' Wellcraft is impossible to drain all the bilge water via either the drain plug and/or bilge pump. After just one winter of the residuals freezing around the bilge pump, I now ShopVac the bilge prior to the final fitting of the boat cover. Evidently condensation settles in the bilge over the winter (even with cover vents, the doghouse, live wells, cuddy cab and and storgage compartments open) as I again had a slight amount of water in the bilge pocket this Spring. I think I'll add a splash of AF to the bilge this Winter.
Secondly, my fishing partner lost his live well pump this past Winter (in a 16' Bass Tracker) as he failed to evacuate the supply line and the pump burst.
Soooo....take whatever steps are necessary to ensure freeze protection.

FWIW....Ed in 'ol Virginny