Question about De-winterizing/Antifreeze

[chipptiger]

I have searched the forums but can't find anything on this subject. I always winterize my Nautique 206 with RV/Marine antifreeze in late fall. What does everyone do with the antifreeze next spring? Is there an easy way to capture it? I have asked a few dealers and they say it is bio-friendly and that it does not hurt anything to just start up the boat in the water next spring. I am no tree hugger but this just does not seem right to me? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[SoldTheBayliner]

I'm wondering the same thing, wanting to capture the toxic green stuff that I have in my motor. I'll extract what I can with the shower, then I'm thinking I'll just drain it into the bilge and catch it at the plug hole in the back of the boat. Then I'll give the bilge a nice rinsing and call it good... hoping not to make too much of a mess...

[Sac Surfer]

I have a flush kit, so I hook up to the hose before going to the boat launch to dip in the lake. Best way to catch is have 2 large low cut kiddie pools. I use (1) where the shaft/seal is and then one under the exhaust, alternatively you can have a buddy at the exhaust collecting with a funnel and some empty gallon jugs.

[chipptiger]

Thanks Surfer, not a bad idea with the kiddie pools. So you crank up the boat and flush with water (hose) and have one kiddie pool at the exhaust on the rear of the boat.

Where exactly is the shaft/seal where you place the other?

Also, what do you do with the antifreeze after you collect it? Can you reuse it next year or do you recycle somewhere?

Thanks for your ideas!

[Sac Surfer]

The shaft seal is at the bottom of the boat where the shaft exits the boat and then has the prop attached at the far end. I have a 210 so that is right about where the double axle is. It really depends on the trailer, but you don't need to collect the antifreeze (it's okay for the environment(Pink RV)) just needs to run though some ground about 12". Make sure you don't let dogs around it, as they like to lick sweet things. You can re-use it if you bottle the anti-freeze i ended up getting 7 gallons for motor and ballast this year.

[chipptiger]

Thank you for your help!

[DJH]

You can re-use it if you bottle the anti-freeze

I've toyed with this idea... concerned that a fair bit of water would get mixed in with the antifreeze as the engine was flushed though. Based on this I don't save year to year... $50 for new antifreeze and a trip to the household hazardous waste drop-off each year is a pretty small price to pay to know my boat's well protected.

[AirTool]

For real antifreeze, just measure the specific gravity and you'll have your answer. You can then add last years stuff to the new full strength for the desired protection. Saving $$ and polluting less.