Winterizing 242x with ballast bags?

[Brad Dunn]

Anyone know what is supposed to be done to the ballast bags and hoses ect to winterized a 242 xe. Thanks

 

[Julian]

Mine was at the dealer last year having warrantly work done....so I had them winterize the ballast while they had it...so not sure what they did. But my guess is disconnect each back and pour RV antifreeze into each hose.

 

[buckbuck]

I just disconnect the hose near the thru hull fitting and stick it in a gallon of anti freeze. Press the fill button and protect the hoses, pump and bag.

 

[Rod5]

I did nothing. The lines seem to self drain and what little water might still be in the bags have plenty of room to expand...

 

[buckbuck]

I agree about the bags and hoses but I am concerned about the brass pump freezing.

 

[Rod5]

Hum, the way the pumps are positioned, they are at the high points of the flow of water, so I'm not sure how any water will be trapped in the pumps. Unless maybe you closed the valve with the boat still sitting in the water and the lines were still draining or something. But I get better to be safe than sorry by running antifreeze.

 

[swatski]

My pumps are installed in the "wet compartments" in the stern, so about the seat level, w/heads down.
I'm doing nothing .

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[buckbuck]

Well maybe I am worrying about it too much. Do you think water could freeze inside this?
View attachment 64953

 

[swatski]

Well maybe I am worrying about it too much. Do you think water could freeze inside this?
View attachment 64953 View attachment 64954

Nice! New impellers?
I would think that as long as you don't try to run the pump with ice inside there, you are not likely to get damage (from ice expanding), unless the head it is completely filled with water. Even then, it would have to be some sort of a snap-freeze event to not allow any expansion.
I'm thinking if anti-freeze may be harsh on the impeller material, perhaps?

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[zipper]

@buckbuck Just an observation...and disclaimer, I do not have any of these ballast pumps. I know it gets cold where you are, could you turn the pump body horizontal or upside down so that the water would not freeze in the bottom? And hopefully run to the inlet/outlet while still a liquid. I would be nervous about even that small amount of water freezing and cracking that soft brass or even expanding the cover, making the pump less efficient. I always try to err on the side of caution. just my $.02. Good Luck

 

[McMark]

I’ve heard of guys dumping vodka in their fresh water holding tanks as antifreeze then run the sink or sprayer enough to taste. Think that would work? Seems better than trying to empty a holding tank.

 

[jetboater4life]

I pour a gallon of antifreeze into the bag and then run my pump until I see the pink stuff coming out.

 

[YamahaForMe]

I assume you all are using RV antifreeze. If so, it won't prevent the water in your tanks from freezing. Check this link for further discussion. http://roadtrek190popular.blogspot.com/2014/01/rv-antifreeze.html

If you are using auto antifreeze, shame on you

@buckbuck , the water pump impellers in every Alpha stern drive look just like your picture. I can assure you they don't all get winterized with RV antifreeze. Just run the pump a second or two, dry, to get the water out. In my previous boat, the old impeller looked like new when I replaced it after 14 years. No antifreeze -- ever. That said, a little antifreeze can't hurt . It just won't do much for the water in your ballast bags.

cheers,
Steve