USING BOAT THROUGH WINTER

[ben8473]

Hi, since i am new to boat owning having just got a 79 Nautique, i wonder if anyone can tell me what to do if i intend to use the boat through winter as i don't want to stop boarding yet. Basically then how do i get away without having to winterise the inboard so i can still use it. Anybody suggest anything???? PLEASE.

[C+Rsports]

Basically to run through the winter you just have to make sure that you drain the water out of the engine each time you use the boat.

If not already there you may need to fit some drain plugs to the engine.

Also you may wish to disconnect the pipes off the end of the manifold to drain them out aswell.

Whilst you do that, it would aslo be worthwhile fitting a hose with a shower head so you've got loads of hot water to warm gloves, hands, feet before and after riding.

I also use WD40 liberally to keep the damp out of all the electrics.

If you keep the boat at home you can also use those small greenhouse tube heaters in the engine (well ventilated) to keepm the ambient temperature above freezing.

All this stuff is just common sense so enjoy you winter riding - you will get the best water conditions of the year.

PS If your running LPG you will have to be careful when starting up each time that it does not freeze. Warm the engine thouroughly to avoid stopping through fuel starvation out on the water.

[ben8473]

Instead of some kind of heater in the engine compartment, would packing it out with wall insulation do the trick. (cavity insulation as used by builders)?
Shower sounds like a good idea!!!!