Winterize in Nor Cal???

[Robbinbanx]

I store my 2006 SANTE 220 ZR6.0L indoor in Northern Cal. This is a very mild climate. does everyone in a mild climate still go thought the process of fully winterizing their boat or what? I drained the lake water out of the debris screen, and plan on taking it to the dealer in spring for a service. I just bought the boat and it has less than 94 hrs on it.

I owned an american Skier for 21 years and never drained the water from the exhaust, no issues, I am new to the fresh water cooling system though...

Mike

[wildsv211]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

Mike,
I live just north of you and do not go through the whole process. I do drain the manifolds just to be safe. We do get a deep freeze once every 10 years or so... I figure better safe then sorry. I have heard that it is a good idea to change the oil before letting the boat sit all winter so that the old oil does not sit on the bearings... but i am sure there are many varied opinions on the topic... Happy boating..

[bchesley]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

Always change the oil to get some fresh clean oil in it, but its a 6.0 so it has antifreeze in the block. Let the rest go it it will not freeze.

[Flipside]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

Better safe than sorry. The fact that you keep your boat indoors decreases the odds of freezing your engine, but why take any chances? 10 mins and you've drained the water eliminating any risk.

But you should be aware that "winterizing" is advisable to prevent other risks not associated with freezing. For example adding Stabil to your gas. Read your engine manual and follow it. You don't need a mechanic to perform the tasks if you have access to a garage and some time. This forum is a great asset to ask others if you need help doing the tasks stated in the manual....

Good luck!

[211Nick]

I live south of you and I don't winterize the engine at all, and my boat sits outside. I take the bimini and mirror off, pull out the carpet, toys and cushions then tent the cover so the water can't pool on it. I also use dry zee air to pull out moisture that builds up under the cover. I do have an engine block heater but I only use that once or twice a year if it will be below 30deg.

Just my two cents...Nick

[bkhallpass]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

Robbinbanx. Lived in San Mateo or Discovery Bay most of my 40+ years. We've always had boats and have never winterized. On those few occasions where it gets cold here, I have moved the boat in the garage, and/or thrown a light in the boat, but that's it. Your mileage may vary, but to me winterizing a boat in the Bay Area means throwing an extra blanket in so you can use it on the weekend. BKH

[Mikeski]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

I live in San Ramon, no need to winterize and I even keep my boat on the side of my house (sunny side). If it is indoors there should be no need.

The fresh water cooling system minimizes the risk even more.

Hijack, does that boat have dual exhausts with no mufflers? If it does I would like to come see the exhaust routing.

[JUST-IN-TIME]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

i would at least drain, no need for antifreeze

[RLS]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

I live very close to you and keep my boat in the garage. It never comes close to freezing inside. That said there has been a few years where I know people have had problems. It is not freqyant but it can happen.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

draining 10 minutes, + 2 gal.s of RV A/F @ $10 = cheap insurance with a little added anticorrosion protection.

[RexB]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

I live in Davis and keep the boat in a garage. I don't winterize, but we use the boat all year. The rule is that we have to go at least once per month, every month of the year. It's why God made wetsuits and why I had a heater installed on my 211. Come meet us at Berryessa...

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

I loved Lake Berryessa. That is where my PythonBoat came from, and my old BFN went to.

[RexB]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

This definitely is the best time of year on Berryessa. Days are still warm, the water is flat and the yahoos are gone.

Back on point, any reason to "winterize" at all in a milder climate if the boat will continue to be used once/month or so?

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

my opinion is yes, most in the area tend to take a less cautious approach. I was at my cabin in north Idaho last weekend, woke up to 8* Sunday morning, and -2* on Monday morning. Apparently, that never happens there this time of year.....
Just saying ten minutes is an easy way to get around a freak set of weather conditions. At the very least, drain entirely.

[Hollywood]

RE: Winterize in Nor Cal???

I would not feel compelled to drain the water out unless you are getting nightly lows in the low 20s with daily highs in the upper 30s for a couple straight days.