Winterizing
 

Hey guys! Glad to be part of the family! I have a new to me 1983 Scarab 377. What is the easiest way to winterize? What special tequniques does everyone use?

1. Call John (BUP here on OSO) Boats Unlimited in Dallas 817-658-7721
2. This search from forum
https://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/...earchid=973622

Congrats on the new to you boat.

Or this is most likely all you would need. Local and a good price.

https://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/bp...746502469.html

https://www.campingworld.com/air-dry...BoCm3cQAvD_BwE
I'm using this in the bilge same purpose less expensive

thanks for the info! looks like the link isn't going thru but I'll scroll thru the web site

If your wanting to just add a bilge heater then sure that works.
If you actually want to winterize as in changing oil, filters, drain water and such, would need to know what motors and drives you have, open or closed cool. Also assuming they will be 1987 models

Yes, a full winterize needs to be done. I have twin Mercruiser 454's with what I think are pre-alpha drives since its a 1983. Its a raw water intake from the bottom of the boat so I'm guessing that is a open cool? Not sure about the oil and filters on it. I know that this is no where as easy and my ski boat to winterize as I don't have the full access to the engines since they are below the rear seat. LOL

Ok, then warm the motors up, changed the oil and filters.
After filter and oil chage fire it up and spay some fogging oil down the carb and shut down the motor

The number one must do is "Drain all of the water out before you start to use AF"
Failure to get all the water out first is taking a chance

1 plug on each side of the block
1 plug on each exhaust manifold
1 plug on the power steering cooler
Suck out all water from sea strainers it they are their, if not no issue
disconnect bottom hose on engine water circulating pump (item 19)

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/.../31800/938/150

Once all the water is out, your winterized. Now if you want to use AF for additional protection go for it


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.off...63ba2937f8.jpg

draining the system/ filling with Anti Freeze is fool proof should the power go out.

Even if you are under the window for freezing up when the power is restored, I have seen household circuit breakers pop from the demand of everything suddenly starting up at once = no more heat in this application of you are using a bilge heater..... our boats stored in a heated shop are winterized and filled - much cheaper winterizing than replacing.