It's getting cold
- Thread starter jimsplace
- Start date
Knotty Girl
New member
Heat Lamp. LOL crazy.gif
Knotty said:
It is crazy.
Every year people post about using a heat lamp or light bulb near the motor for protection and I just cringe.
One of the most likely times for the power to go out is during a super cold time or an ice storm.
Sure the heat lamp or light bulb will help, but only in a last minute desperation situation should it be used.
What happens if the light bulb burns out, and they do, or it gets unplugged without your knowledge.
I wonder if anyone has tried using one of the new led bulbs under their motor, they last a long time and use little energy. think.gif
Devilman
Well-known member
This topic always gets some play this time of year, lol....
Far as the heat lamp, whether it works or not.... its one of those deals where your mileage may vary, so to speak.... mainly depends on the climate in your area. You, up there further north, probably want to consider winterizing. Me, down here where I am, have never done anything special regarding winterization, especially the last few years now that my boat is stored in an insulated shop. Before that, when it was stored outdoors, I did the droplight deal occasionally if the temps were gonna be below freezing for more than a few hours (a hard freeze). Eleven years & counting, I've never had any issues, but I realize that I am quite a but further south than most.
That said, nothing beats a proper winterization for the ultimate peace of mind that come spring time your baby will be ready to hit the water without issue. :smile30:
Will go ahead & get my Nomex on now for the possible flaming that's sure to come, lol...
:grin:
Far as the heat lamp, whether it works or not.... its one of those deals where your mileage may vary, so to speak.... mainly depends on the climate in your area. You, up there further north, probably want to consider winterizing. Me, down here where I am, have never done anything special regarding winterization, especially the last few years now that my boat is stored in an insulated shop. Before that, when it was stored outdoors, I did the droplight deal occasionally if the temps were gonna be below freezing for more than a few hours (a hard freeze). Eleven years & counting, I've never had any issues, but I realize that I am quite a but further south than most.
That said, nothing beats a proper winterization for the ultimate peace of mind that come spring time your baby will be ready to hit the water without issue. :smile30:
Will go ahead & get my Nomex on now for the possible flaming that's sure to come, lol...
:grin:Since we're discussing winterization, something else to consider for those who don't, is that if you're not winterizing, there's the possibility that other things are not being protected.
For boats that have water manifolds, they can freeze too, if you have an oil cooler, there is water running through those also, if you have a V-Drive, the water pump retains water if it isn't disassembled and the water lines may have water in them too.
If it doesn't freeze where you're located, can I come visit?
I know some fill their motor with antifreeze, but that's a big no,no.
I recall seeing another boater starting his motor for the first time in the spring at the lake. When it started, nothing came out except green for almost a minute.
All I could think was that, I'm not really seeing that, am I?
If a game warden had seen it, they may still be waiting for bail.
For boats that have water manifolds, they can freeze too, if you have an oil cooler, there is water running through those also, if you have a V-Drive, the water pump retains water if it isn't disassembled and the water lines may have water in them too.
If it doesn't freeze where you're located, can I come visit?
I know some fill their motor with antifreeze, but that's a big no,no.
I recall seeing another boater starting his motor for the first time in the spring at the lake. When it started, nothing came out except green for almost a minute.
All I could think was that, I'm not really seeing that, am I?
If a game warden had seen it, they may still be waiting for bail.
jimsplace said:
If RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) is used instead of automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) it's not an issue running the engine in the lake in the spring. Propylene glycol is not toxic. It's used as a food preservative and an ingredient in consumer products like shampoo.
Hey to all my friends, just stopping by for a look around...
That's a good point! You might have a hard time talking the man in the center console that tho... 😊 and I'm pretty sure "most"?? Would would fire the boat up at the house on the hose for the first trip of the year just to check things out... I know their are plenty that don't... We see them blocking half of the boat ramp every year... But then again that's prob not the same guy that worries about winterizing his boat... 🤔😊
Sent from my shop setting in my boat making motor noises
Sent from my shop setting in my boat making motor noises
customtouch
Active member
I have rarely winterized my boats because of days like yesterday. 72degrees and the whole lake to myself for a little prop testing in late January. What a great day!!! However, my boats usually spend most of the winter in my shop so they are ready to go when a nice day comes around. It is supposed to be close to 80degrees this weekend so I might go out again.
customtouch
Active member
Patchman said:
Yea.......let's just say I have been accumulating props to see what the boat likes the best. :smile30: