To Winterize or Not to Winterize, that is the question

[Mikeski]

My boat lives on the side of my house, a single layer of sunbrella is all that protects it from the elements. I have a couple Onset computer temperature recorders I use for various things. One probe on the valve cover (red trace) one probe hanging over the side in the shady side (blue trace).

[Fwat220]

Everyone else there, in the water, over the water, out of the water, covered and not covered do not winterize thier boats. The staff there tell me that they have never experienced any freezing problems in the past. The heater looks great though. I may just get it just to sleep better. Thanks for all the help!

[WakeSlayer]

You are fine in the Scottsdale area. Get the heater to sleep better, if you want. You will not have problems there, ever.
MikeSki, that is a pretty cool report you have. Is it a wireless device ? or self contained that you hook up to extract the data?

[DavidF]

Maybe I should clarify why I mentioned rust scale. If some winterize by draining block and leaving it that way for the duration of the winter, you get one cycle of rust forming...not a big deal. But, if you do it many times, like I assumed was happening here, then rust scale could become a problem.

What I would do, if it was my boat...I would leave the water in the block between uses and follow the weather forecasts. If the forecast called for extended period of freezing temperatures, then I would go out and draing the block/manifolds/u-pipe, etc. until next run.

[crowmobe540]

winterize

I live in Austin, TX. With where you live I don't think you need to winterize. I believe you read that you keep it on a slip. For the most part that is what I do with mine. Remember the water will act like a heater of sorts. Even if it is only 50 degrees it is probably close enough to your boat to heat it a little. I don't touch mine unless it is a hard freeze and have never had a problem at all. You can always put a bucket of water next to your boat. If the bucket of water freezes, then you should def. do something. I think it takes a pretty hard freeze to do any damage and with where you live you are fine. If you live close and it's about to freeze go put a drop light in your engine box. I don't think it is worth the time to drain every time.

Just my .02.

[SkiTower]

RE: winterize

Never thought about the bucket of water idea. Might try that in my garage. I'd love to not winterize.