Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

[Cowboyup]

Quick question to all ya'll. This past week here in Indiana was gorgeous. Almost the whole week was near 80. I got the boat out of storage, did all the necessary maintenance, started it for the first time and got all the antifreeze out of the block etc etc.

Well, now this week, they are calling for temps in the high 30's, low 40's during the day, and for about 5 nights, temps in the low 20's. Is the water in my block going to freeze and create problems over the next few days? Should I be worried and go and drain all the water out again or will this short cold snap not be a problem to the engine? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just want to note that I do not have a power source where I keep the boat, so putting a light under the engine pan cant happen.

Thanks again
Chris

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

i wouldn't worry about it, but if you do, put a trouble light in the motor box at night....
Low teens here at night all week, I feel your pain.

[DanielC]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

Option 1, run the boat long enough to get heat in the block. Good for one night, if the boat is in a shelter where the wind does not blow on it.
Option 2, Drain it, block, manifolds, heater, shower, ballast tanks, speedo pickups. Do the proper method for your boat, most ZR6 engines do not need the block drained, but you must make sure the heat exchanger has all the fresh water out of it.
Option 3, run the boat, get it warm, and then run RV antifreeze into it. again, follow the proper procedures.
Option 4, pay for warm storage somewhere.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

oops. did not read the part abotu no power available, sorry

[ScarletArrow]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

I'm in the same situation...got the boat out of storage for winter...summerized...currently in my garage...has not been in the water yet...I'm not too concerned.

[surroundsound64]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

I'd definitely drain the water or as Daniel mentioned get some antifreeze in it. I got some cheap thermometers that record the high/low temperatures and put them all in the boat this winter when it got cold. Mid 20s for 1 night would bring below freezing temps under the engine cover. I know other tests have been done and posted on here, and I'm not saying they are wrong, but I definitely got different results. It could be because I have a much older boat.

[Onthewater]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

Its fine, leave it. Also, the engine doesn't feel wind chill, wind has nothing to do with the water in the block feezing.

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Freezing Temps! Oh crap!!!!!

the only risk I think you run is if there is a heater core in it.

[Cowboyup]

Thakns for the input all. I was worried, but ya'll put some of those worries to rest. Thanks!!