Winterizing in FL?

[Matt Wetzel]

So it’s supposed to dip into the 30s next week and my marina called and asked if I wanted them to winterize my fsh 19. It shouldn’t be for more than two days. Do I really need to do anything?

Thanks for the advice ahead of time.

 

[robert843]

if your boat is out of the water I would possibly start it really quick and just pump the throttle twice to make sure water was out of the lines. If its in the water I would do nothing the water will be warmer then that likely slightly effecting the temp right around your boat so it should be fine. I don't think I would winterize it. I have not winterized my boats in years with no issues and get temps in the 30's several days a week this time a year.

 

[Foobar]

I made the mad dash to winterize my boat yesterday. It is going to be 25 tonight and 19 tomorrow night, which is very abnormal for my location. The Boat and RV antifreeze was $5 a gallon and I bought 3 gallons. I figured $15 and a little effort would be cheaper than a cracked block. But in your location and in the 30s? I might just do what Robert suggested. Of course ... it is just 15 bucks to be sure, right?

If you are leaving it put up for the whole Florida "winter" I would just do it. We might have some more cold snaps that actually get you into the dangerous temperatures.

I used this, so it would be $15 plus the $50 for the kit:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--engine-winterizing-kit--520411?recordNum=1

Here is a $10 solution that would probably be good enough:

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/winterize-it-pro-inc--winterize-it-pro-aerosol--16788788?recordNum=15

 

[Tailwaters]

30 degrees???? I can only wish to 30 degrees, its 5 degrees this morning in lower Michigan

 

[Matt Wetzel]

Yea, sorry for rubbing in the temp, but it is my first boat and never had to worry about this before.

Thanks for all the comments.

Matt

 

[JetSet407]

Hey Matt! Im not far from you, Im in the Ocoee area. I have never winterized my boat or know anyone who has here in Orlando. I keep my boat covered outside year round and never had any issues. Look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!

Chris

Yea, sorry for rubbing in the temp, but it is my first boat and never had to worry about this before.

Thanks for all the comments.

Matt

 

[Matt Wetzel]

Hey Matt! Im not far from you, Im in the Ocoee area. I have never winterized my boat or know anyone who has here in Orlando. I keep my boat covered outside year round and never had any issues. Look forward to seeing you on the water this summer!

Chris

Thanks for the info Chris. I’ll not worry so much then.

 

[robert cabrerea]

Its cold but not enough consecutive days of frost to pose a problem . I keep her inside the garage. Love my sx190

 

[Foobar]

Yeah ... normal temperature for this time of year is 60 degrees. Glad I winterized. Today looks like this:

 

[Tailwaters]

Wow... Won't even bother showing you what we have in MIichgan. Thus far its been a terrible winter. I'm ready to head south.... She it warms up

 

[Foobar]

Wow... Won't even bother show I g what we have in MIichgan. Thus far its been a terrible winter. I'm ready to head south.... She it warms up

Yeah, but you are supposed to get snow The last time it snowed here was 2010 and it lasted about a day before it melted. The last time we got this much snow (about 6-7 inches) was 1989 and it also lasted a about a day or so. This stuff is going to stick around for about 5 days and then it is going to be 65 degrees again. Crazy.

 

[Tailwaters]

I know just looking for some sympathy from my southern brothers. But you're right at least we're accustomed to it and have the equipment to move around. Not good for you folks in the southern states for sure

 

[Foobar]

I lived in Germany for several years, so I am accustomed to the snow and know how to drive in it. Today I made a run to the grocery store. On the way back there was a GMC Sierra 4x4 jacked up with big old tires, etc. He was doing about 8 mph white-knuckling the steering wheel. WTF ...