Winterization (Ethenol & 216 Balast Tanks)

[redelf75]

1) According to Jeff's excellent post on winterization, all gas containing alcohol needs to drained from the engine and the gas tank. I plan on asking my dealer if they actually do this, especially the tank part. The dealer is aware that no land based gas stations in our area sells non-alcohol gas and admitted that it was ok to use the gas during the season but to put marina (non-alcohol) gas in at the end of the season. I was planing on doing that, but all the marinas have closed their gas pumps for the season and I'm still skiing!

What is your opinion on the whole Ethenol thing? Is it really such a big deal?

2) Can someone give me explicit instructions on draining the balast tanks on the 216? I'm not very machanically inclined, but my dealer charges $130 per tank, so I thought I'd give it a try.

Thanks in advance.

[AbunDiga909]

http://planetnautique.com/index.php?...ewtopic&t=1911

[NautiqueJeff]

I believe the technically correct way to winterize the tanks is to remove all fittings, remove the tank from the boat, completely dry the tanks that way, and then re-install. Most dealers probably don't do that, and it probably isn't really necessary. Using the method outlined in the Winterization Post should get 99% of the water out. Anything left over probably won't matter anyway.

Make sure, though, that you do open all valves so that the hoses and valves can drain. This includes the main valves and the helm control valves. Leave them open so that all water can drain out. Run the fill and drain pumps for a few seconds to purge any water that might still be in the pumps, too.

[Onthewater]

Re: Winterization (Ethenol & 216 Balast Tanks)

What is your opinion on the whole Ethenol thing? Is it really such a big deal?

No it isn't a big deal, this has been going on for years and no problems with any of the boats I have been in or around.

Don't worry about completely draining the tanks, make sure the hoses/lines are dry and clear though.

Why aren't father and son on the same page? Kid needs to link another topic to his dad's post? Funny stuff.

[AbunDiga909]

Re: Winterization (Ethenol & 216 Balast Tanks)

Why aren't father and son on the same page? Kid needs to link another topic to his dad's post? Funny stuff.

- Good Question! caugh caugh...

I gotta start using another name... :roll: