PDA

View Full Version : Winterizing questions



Play N Hookie II
02-11-2008, 11:21 AM
First of all, I would like to thank everyone here for all the answers and wonderful things I have learned in a short time. I reallly appreciate what a great group of people you all are (probably most anyway..hehe).

I winterized the fresh water lines and the waste water a while ago but still wanted to use the boat so I chose not to do the engine. In December I was concerned we would have a cold snap so I asked Mercer Marine to winterize the engine for me. I felt comfortable with what I thought had to be done but I have not yet done it and would prefer someone to be there who has already done this. So I had it done professionally.

Here is my question...I went to check on the boat this weekend for the first time since they did this and I was giving it a decent once over. I noticed that they drained the antifreeze from the FWC. Was there any purpose to them doing this beore I call them? The raw water was correctly filled with antifreeze but they left the FWC reservoir empty. I am new to larger boats but understand engine mechanics well and the only reason perhaps I could come up with for them to do this was a note at the steering column that read that the boat would need to be serviced prior to its next use. It would be my understanding that with the engine winterized in the fashion I did it that I would just be able to put it in the water and the raw water would flush the antifreeze and I am on my way. Clearly I will need to now add AF to the FWC.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I intend to use the boat as early as 3 weeks from now. Of course I am going to call them and ask them about it but I wanted to see if I was missing something first. I also think they drained all 8 gallons of pink antifreeze from the fresh water system which makes no sense. would you just leave that in until you flush it completely for the wseason?

SomeSailor
02-12-2008, 08:06 PM
I saw your post on BOC as well. That is pretty weird. Did you ask Mercer why they did that? Did they drain the whole block or just the HE? You gonna be out and around this weekend? Supposed to be the first nice weather in awhile. I'm at Dagmars also (U1)

Play N Hookie II
02-13-2008, 08:01 AM
He said that the HE was just low and that they had topped it off yesterday. I checked it before our last trip and it wasn't but oh well. I had one poor experience with them on some very simple fiberglass work (which they sub out) and thought I may give them a second chance. I have heard from multiple people that they are not where to go. It seems sd though since they are just right there. I do plan to get down there this weekend briefly. Just going to check on it and grab the dinghy and stuff. I was thinking it would be fun to do a little trout fishing on the dink while I am waiting for less wind and the chance of freezing to go away. I am ancy...when do many people get unwinterized? I was originally thinking around the first of March but don't want to push it.


I saw your post on BOC as well. That is pretty weird. Did you ask Mercer why they did that? Did they drain the whole block or just the HE? You gonna be out and around this weekend? Supposed to be the first nice weather in awhile. I'm at Dagmars also (U1)

SomeSailor
02-13-2008, 05:18 PM
I got stuck late at work, but meant to go out today. Will be running around tomorrow though I suppose if I can get loose at decent hour.

voyager
02-13-2008, 07:42 PM
Hey I am at dagmars also, where is U1? I am in K9 we always refer to it as the dog stall, I still don't think the staff a dagmars knows that it is a joke but at least they know me on sight and which boat is mine. Maybe I will see one of you up there some time. I am trying to get there this weekend, I need do to some work to get the boat ready.

SomeSailor
02-13-2008, 08:33 PM
I ended up with a pretty nice spot. U1 is on the end, directly across from the metal sheds on the north side of the road. I've got a Honey Bucket across the road and my own street light directly over the boat. Pretty nice working in these dark evenings.

voyager
02-14-2008, 06:30 AM
I am up by the ramps, within walking distance to the office. I started out on the side your on. I like where I'm at now I don't have the street light but I can see the river. I have spent many a night on the boat while working on it and it is nice to still be able to see the water and the sunset.

Play N Hookie II
02-14-2008, 07:52 AM
I am in Z29 Right next to the metal sheds. I wanted to be closer to the office but I really like that spot it turns out. I will be down for a bit this weekend. Maybe I will see you there.

2850Bounty
02-20-2008, 07:21 AM
I too read this on the BOC forum. Not sure if I heard back on your resolve.... if any! Any yet?

Play N Hookie II
02-20-2008, 09:04 AM
They told me that they sent a tech over to look at it and that the heat exchanger was low. I had checked the level less than a month before and replaced all the fluid in October so unless I have a leak it doesnt make sense. I dodnt look real thoroughly but it looked empy when i looked at it. He also told me that they drained the freshwater system because they werent sure if it had been done and it was as a precaution. There was 10 gallons of pink antifreeze I put in it after draining the water system. Personally I would have noticed that it was all pink while I was drainign it but I guess we live and learn by our experiences. I have since bought a winterizing kit and will be doing this particular task on my own for the future.


I too read this on the BOC forum. Not sure if I heard back on your resolve.... if any! Any yet?