Heated bilges
 

Let's hear about what some of you guys have rigged up to keep those big blocks toasty I plan on winterizing the boat this week end with pink -50 antifreeze but was going to add a heating element for some added piece of mind

I find that air is great at not freezing in the cooling passages of my engine.

in 15 years ive winterized 1000 s of boats with -50 below pink and they all sat outside never a problem ,I see no need to do anything else
unless your in Alaska .the worst the pink stuff does at - 30 is get slushy .id be more worried if you put a heater or a light bulb in it all winter

Use better protection and don't worry about heating it. You'll sleep better.

60 watt light bulb hung in between the engines.

I bet you live where it gets cold. Asked a guy 15 years ago from Alaska what they did and all he said was, "air don't freeze". Stabal in the gas tank, flush it, fog it, drain it, done

Do Not Add Heat........The cool Metal Engine and Warm air will make Condensation, Everything will Rust, Even if its painted or coated, Trust Me.... I have used Light bulbs & Heaters..Just use Anti-Freeze or drain everything..

I'm having difficulty locating my port side block plugs on both motors. This weekend it's suppose to get below freezing for 2 nights. In case I don't get my winterization done before should I throw a light in at night or will it take more then just 2 nights dipping below 32 degrees.

I've been to more house fires caused by heating elements and lights than just about anything else. Make sure your insurance is up to date

depends on the sun and daytime temps.quick answer,you'll be fine.alot of mass to cool.

Living in northern Michigan and storing the boat in a unheated metal building I just drain everything and have had worry free winters since 1998.

Well I guess this is the thread that'll start the winter season for many members of the board.
We're pretty blessed down here on the Gulf Coast as I just place a small heater down low on a concrete block in front of the engines when we expect a dip to freezing temps.
Now I'll just need to get some beer and snacks since there will be lots of funny $hit to read for the next 4 to 5 months.

See ya,
Kelly

Thanks guys I'm now wondering if dry storage I's the way to go for the winter let's take bets how many members will get banned in Fountain vs the world threads ? Lol

these threads always leave me scratching my head...pull the damn water plugs (they are blue), burp the engine for 10 seconds and let the impeller blow out all of the water and you are done. its a 5 minute job yet people seem to find a way and make a career out of it...honestly after doing that there is no need for antifreeze other than being a rust inhibitor.

on second thought the light bulb sounds much easier....you should probably do that. :rolleyes:

the light bulb is to get you thru a couple of cold nites till you get the chance to winterize.like I'm gonna have to do this weekend on a friends boat.

My father used a light-bulb in the engine compartment for 35 years, never had an issue, thought we live in New Jersey, winter temperatures fluctuate, he was a pretty good engine builder, and never lost one ever.