"Winterizing" in the Delta?

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MisterBK

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What, if any, precautions should be taken during our California winters for a boat (inboard) that stays in the water?

So much to learn ...
 
That's what I assumed, but figured I'd check actual experience. thanks.
 
Yes, keeping your boat in the water, or even on a lift over the water, will protect you engine from freezing. If the boat is stored on a trailer, and is not winterized, if the water pipes around the docks freeze up, you can bet your engine block will freeze too. If you lose an engine due to a cracked block, your insurance will NOT cover the cost to replace.

There are other "winterizing" procedures which need to be performed. Treating your fuel; emptying the water heater; draining all water lines; changing the oil; protecting the head/toilet. It depends upon your particular situation.

I do not winterize, but I go to my boat at least once a month to run the engine up to temp; work the outdrive up and down; same with the trim tabs; etc. I also treat a full tank of fuel each year. And I use my boat as often as conditions allow. That is the best protection of all! Batteries need to tended as well. I keep mine topped off. I also wipe all the SS railings, cleats, etc with a rag saturated in WD40 every fall to help prevent corrosion.
 
You should be fine. I have never winterized down in the delta, and never had a problem - both boats were in the water or on a hoist.

Jim
 
I have never had any adverse reaction from winter temperatures in the Bay and Delta area.
 
The one thing you should do is keep the tank topped off and add fuel stabilizer. I use Stabil as it seems to be the one that is recommended most often but there are others out there.
 
Thanks everyone for the advice & comments. During our short "cold spells" I still plan to start her up every couple of weeks (or more often) & make sure the batteries stay charged. That's an advantage of being 20 minutes from the berth.

New canvas is going on now so things will be dry on the bridge & aft deck.
 
Yup, Brian, you've got the right idea! That new canvas will make even chilly weather enjoyable. You'll amazed how warm an enclosed canvas is. Even if a very cold wind is blowing, if the boat is in the sun, the area gets nice and toasty!
 
Winter boating in the Delta can be very nice. The wind is usually down unless a system is rolling through. The skiers are off the water and it is real quiet.
 
Ah, winters in the Delta, foogy and lonely.... just read Hal Schell. But, don't forget the December 1990 record freeze. Many boaters suffered the ultimate engine damage- frozen blocks. Remember the water frozen in some of the Marinas? and the birds not understanding their new hard runway landings? Village West was frozen. So was the San Joaquin out in front of 14 mile slough. So, caveat emperator.... or it might bite you in the butt.
 
quote:
Originally posted by dugsboat

Ah, winters in the Delta, foogy and lonely.... just read Hal Schell. But, don't forget the December 1990 record freeze. Many boaters suffered the ultimate engine damage- frozen blocks. Remember the water frozen in some of the Marinas? and the birds not understanding their new hard runway landings? Village West was frozen. So was the San Joaquin out in front of 14 mile slough. So, caveat emperator.... or it might bite you in the butt.

Click to expand...
But weren't the boats that froze out of the water? In any case it would take about a good week of a hard freeze for this to have an effect on boats in the water. More than enough time to do something about it.
 
I was at Russo's Marina at that time. Yes, all the water pipes on the docks broke. However, none of the boats in the water had any damage. Several I/Os stored on trailers in the covered storage area had sever damage, mainly cracked blocks.......
 
More boats out of the water suffered damage, but many boats in the water also suffered damage. As you indicated, the big freeze lasted a number of days, if I recall correctly it was five days. The boats in the water that had damage largely where unattended and did not have any power to them. It was a long time ago, but it seemed that if you had your hot water tank on and other equipment that produced heat in the engine compartment you avoided damage. I specifically remember one boat, an older wooden inboard docked about three slips down from me at Village West, that the owner seldom visited. He came down in April to run his engine after not having been to the poor boat since last fall. He couldn't get it to start, and when he opened the engine compartment and then turned over the engine, water was squirting everywhere. Although this was uncommon, it did happen to many poor boaters. The insurance companies in many cases did not offer help.
 
I think a lot has to do with the fact that the water is moving in places around Bethel whereas it isn't around Village West. But regardless, if you don't visit your boat and start it up every now and then, don't expect it to last long.
 
Thank God. Im a new boater and do not know the first thing about winterizing..fortunately in sunny California I dont have to. I have to hire a pro to do all the stuff I need done such as change oil, zincs etc.
 
Wayne....Welcome! I didn't realize you were a CA boater. If you keep your boat in the water all winter long, you will probably be ok. But if you store your boat on a trailer you will need to take some minimal precautions to protect your engine block. This is probably going to be a much colder then normal winter. Back in 1990-91, we had several weeks of below temps and many boats on trailers got cracked blocks. They were not winterized. Insurance refused to cover the damage due to owner neglect. Beware and be cautious!
 
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