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I've noticed that on the older LSV's, the pumps and strainer were right at the intakes beside the v-drive. On my 2011, there's only valves. The pumps and strainer seem to be at the stern somewhere behind the engine. Has anyone winterized this setup? Any advice? I'm a little stumped.
All you do to winterize the ballast system is turn it on <forward or reverse> for a couple second to clear any water from the pumps. Then unhook the bags, and if your storing the boat outside i would close the valve at the threw hull.Quote:
Originally Posted by chaneya
Other wise if its inside you can leave it open
The 2011 has the reversible pumps. They are mounted to a board behind a panel at the rear of the port locker.
For winterization, it depends on how cold it gets/how over the top you want to go. Most secure would be to pull some antifreeze thru the system. You would do this by pulling the intake hoses off the thru hulls and sticking them in a bucket of antifreeze, flick the switch and run for a few min.
I'd bet you could get by tho with just pulling all the bags and then switching the pump to empty for a few minutes to get the water out.
Others may be able to better answer or give more ideas.
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I removed the ballast fitting on one bag ( the fitting that connects to the fill and empty hose) I connected a swimming pool hose to the threads on the fitting, I connected the fitting to the filling hose, I filled the swimming pool hose with antifreeze and I turned the switch to "empty". I can saw the antifreeze falling on the ground under the boat. I did it for each bags.
I think it should be ok
I unhook the hoses at the pumps and use a high volume air pump to blow out the lines
Last year I pulled each pump's impeller. All if them were virtually dry. Nothing to speak of that would freeze.
I do pull all the bags out of the boat, fold them, and store them in a trash can to keep them safe in the garage.
Your mileage may vary.
Honestly my only concern with pumping antifreeze in the ballast system is when you summerize if that gets in the bags? Also antifreeze isnt meant to sit idle, its meant to be cycles threw and im wondering if longer tern sitting would cause it to break down and cause slime or sludge build up?
IDK im just talking here throwing Murpheys law around.
I know its a lot colder in Canada then in the PNW but here the Boat dealers just make sure to remove all water then nothing to freeze. None of them im aware of use antifreeze as a freeze prevention method.
This is good info. Thanks all.
Mike, I don't think you have anything to worry about if you use this stuff as it's even safe for drinking water systems in RV's. Atlanta Marine uses something like this when winterizing motors here. Is biodegradable also so supposed to be safe for you to start up in the summer right on the lake.Quote:
Originally Posted by mmandley
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...w#.UI2KLmt5mSM
Regardless, I think for the ballast system the suggestions from others of just making sure you get the water out will be OK.
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Thats some pretty cool looking stuff. I can see it being good for everything.Quote:
Originally Posted by wolfeman131
I am just leary about telling anyone its ok to use Antifreeze for there ballast system. I can just see it now, June comes around and some one on the forum is complaining they used Anti freeze on there ballast system and now all the hoses and bags are slimmy and stink and its getting on the carpets. Because they used standard automotive Antifreeze LOL
Anytime i reccomend or say a product is good for something i try to consider some of my friends that would always pick the cheapest route and if this might cause or harm something down the road i dont want to be the one they look at and say well you said i should do it Mike LOL
I use the rv antifreeze to winterize the lake house,you can get it at any local hardware store, Wally's and target.
Drain everything then add the rv antifreeze to the drain traps, washing machine and dishwasher . Works like a charm.
Should not be a problem in ballast system ...