Cold weather - when to drain down?

[Bobby Buoy]

I've always had my boat out of the water during the winter and drained down the raw water and fresh water side of the cooling system (in-board diesel).

But this year with my new boat I'm in the water for my first winter.

The fresh water side has anti-freeze in it so that's ok.

My question is, if you stay afloat for the winter, do you drain down the raw water side after every trip?

Or just when you think we're in for a cold snap?

 

Any guidance/experiences would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Rob

[Kingfisher 126]

 

Hi Rob

 

You should be safe mooring at Cobb's, usually the only time you have to drain down the raw water side is if you moor on the river with the fresh water as the main source.

I have seen core plugs blown on engine blocks when moored on rivers.

 

Personally never had a problem at Cobb's ever.

 

Cheers

 

Chris

[Bobby Buoy]

Phew! That's good to know thanks Chris.

I was a bit worried because on my old boat even though I'd drained it down in the yard, there was a lock/trap in the system and it did cause some damage when we had a really cold winter (about 5 yrs ago) after that I had to dismantle part of the system to get all the water out each winter.

[Maverick Martin]

Get a couple of tube heaters with thermostats and set to come on below 5deg's

[Steve S]

Totally agree with Martin, that's all I do when on the hard.

 

If you read the mags you will end up with loads of jobs and expense when a sensibly placed heater on a stat sorts the issue. Of course if we were 'up north' it would be different.

[Bobby Buoy]

Thanks guys, useful advice as ever. Off to Screwfix then!