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I put a light under my oil pan as well. It helps for 20 degrees warmer in the motor compartment. I also have a remote temperature sensor that I can read in the house. If it goes below 40F I get excited and buy the antifreeze.
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Originally Posted by Pure Energy
(Post 2326266)
After you close the hatch how do you know if the light is on????
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I heard somewhere that 24* for 24hrs was the rule of thumb..but I dunno!
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Originally Posted by 99fever27
(Post 2326637)
I heard somewhere that 24* for 24hrs was the rule of thumb..but I dunno!
Correct, for a good rule of thumb. I've had a boat sit in the water when it got down to 19* before. I was nervous, but there were 50+ other boats right there with mine. All was fine. |
Originally Posted by lakeoftheozarks
(Post 2324841)
Tonight it is supposed to get in the high 20's and my boat is not winterized. I pumped the system out with the hand pump but understand that water is probably still in the motor. I also plan on lowering it in the water tonight. Is this over cautious or necessary? Thanks for any comments, I am holding out for a couple more weekends of boating.
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Two months later I'll give my input.
For those of you who don't know, the 496's are closed cooled. The hand pump will eliminate the residual water left in the raw water system. If you really want to extra-protect your raw water system, then run a 50/50 mix of antifreeze (environmentally friendly of course) through the raw water system via a flush attachment, a pump and a bucket. Also, if you're storing the boat outside, tape or wrap the prop and propshaft housing to prevent water from entering the gearcase housing. I have seen the water freeze and crack the gearcase if left therin. Of course never store your boat with the drives in the up position. |
Originally Posted by nordic95
(Post 2324877)
Put a metal clamp on spot light in the bilge.One 100 watt bulb will keep the bilge about 15 to 20 degrees warmer then the outside air temp.I do this every year and It has worked out great for late season boating.I leave the plug tail of the light hanging outside the cover so when I leave in the morning I just unplug for the day.
Nordic95 |
Originally Posted by Trippin
(Post 2437171)
Of course never store your boat with the drives in the up position.
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Originally Posted by JohnnyG
(Post 2437299)
Why not? I've heard this before, but can't quite see the logic in it. (I'm just curious, not trying to start anything.)
Snow and rain can get past the prop that can't drain out and sit in the lower unit waiting for that freezing spell. You see alot of boats shrinkwrapped with a piece covering the prop hub to keep water out. |
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