Boat is going in the water, but snow (?) is in the forecast.

Peg_O_My_Heart

Here in the midwest, we are used to weather changes.  We are moving to a new harbor in Indiana off Lake Michigan this season (new harbor is about an hour from our house).  I don't have a bilge heater.  The forecast is for next Tuesday to have a low of 32 degrees.  At what point, temperature wise, should I have to worry about things freezing that shouldn't freeze?  

earl1z19

Temperature is one thing duration is another. If its going to 32 degrees as a low for just a short time I wouldn't worry about it. The water temperature is probably in the low 40's by now anyway. Check what the water temp is where you are going to dock and then see how long its going to be cold and make your decision from there.

Ian

I was told by mechanics that in the water is better than out as the water is warmer than air temp and less chance of chilling. After a season my boat often sat for a while in water awaiting winterization or done as soon as pulled for that reason. Also the block retains a lot of heat and will take a while to get to freezing and likely isn't there now.

If it was me I'd not flush water systems of antifreeze yet and before you get the cold snap, run your engines up to temp for a while. Get some heat into that cast iron.

Aqua_Aura

I leave my boat in all year in the Columbia River near Portland. I add antifreeze to the freshwater system and I have a bilge heater that turns on at 40 degrees. I have never had an issue so I'm sure you'll be fine. 

TonyG13

@icoultha is correct, better in than out. Southern Lake Michigan water temp is currently running around the low 40s. But aren't all Indiana marinas closed until at least April 22nd? I know Portage, Hammond, and East Chicago are for sure.

LaRea

The engine won't freeze.  It's connected to a huge metal heat sink (the outdrive) that is submerged in water.  As long as she's in the water, the engine block will stay pretty close to the water temperature unless the air gets really cold for 2-3 days.  

There's a slight risk to the fresh water systems including the galley pump and AC pump.  Do you trust your HVAC system?  Turn it on, set it to 65 deg, and check it the next morning.  

Peg_O_My_Heart

The harbor we are going to is open, but I have decided to wait.  They will put the boat in the water, but I am going to let it sit for 10-14 days before I touch it because I'm not sure the social distancing policies the dock workers putting my boat in adhere to.  So, the freshwater system will still have the antifreeze.  Thank you for all the help, this is a great forum.

TonyG13

Interesting. I wonder how they are getting around the Stay-At-Home order. That would be a big red flag to me as to how they conduct other business on their grounds.

Ian

Perhaps the harbor is essential if it serves USCG/Fire/Police marine.

TonyG13

icoultha said:

Perhaps the harbor is essential if it serves USCG/Fire/Police marine.

Without knowing which marina, possibly - but all the municipal marinas I've checked in the area (Hammond, East Chicago, Portage) are all closed, and the nearest CG Station (Chicago) has its own gas/service facilities.