How not to winterize...2002 Rinker 342 fiesta vee

cls10105

Me again, as i had said before i am pretty new to boating. In fact this is my1st twin engine. I wanted to use the winter months to practice and learn how to handle my boat. But not sure of the best way not to winterize without causing major expensive damage. Help for the newbie please. Thanks again!

Ian

Where are you located?

skennelly

I think he said Tennessee.  I wouldnt think you get deep freezer and if you keep the boat in the water you should be fine...should I say.  Do people leave their boats in water year round in Tennessee?

cls10105

Chattanooga Tennessee.  We do have boats that are kept in the water year round but it does get really cold here.

LaRea

Don't let anybody tell you to hang an electric light bulb in the engine room.  Anything in the ER must be spark-protected.   

There are marine electric heaters rated for use in the ER.  But ask yourself:  do you trust the power grid at your marina?  

212rowboat

Webasto or eberspacher, and either flavor (air or hydro) will work.  Not only will it protect engine from freeze, you can put a timer, a thermostat, and/or even a cell signal start on it.  It would be nice to hang on the boat at dock on nice winter day and it be toasty warm, and just from the webasto or eberspacher. Personally, I like the eberspacher better, but its just splitting hairs... 

I plumbed one into a diesel truck i had.... 40 below in north country one morning and went out to truck, turned key, and coolant and oil was 176* while fuel was nowhere near gelling.... I was and am sold on them .

randy56

He must winterize same as anyone. Geny, both engine's and water system. As wind chill can be 10 in February. 

skennelly

Wind chill?  That wouldn't contribute to anything freezing...just sayin

MojosBoat

I live in Middle TN and I have an engine bay heater and put a small ceramic space heater inside the cabin. It does not have to keep it 70 deg just needs to stay above freezing. We had an usually long deep cold spell last year and it went through it with no issues. We took the boat out at least once A month during the winter. Sometimes more. Its nice to get out on the lake in the winter and not have many people around. 

cls10105

I would like to do that but if the power goes out i dont think insurance would pay for it. And i am getting broke really fast.lol

Willhound

Congrats on the 342. As for the broke part. ..get used to it.

reneechris14

Broke, every boat sould come with a little plastic card. I'll pay later.