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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    251

    Default Block Heater vs Winterizing

    I live in Houston and it really only get's below freezing about 15 nights a year w/ the absolute low being typically around 20. I have heard from others in this area that they have never drained their block and the boat is fine. I'm not ready to go that far but am considering using some block heaters instead on winterizing. Anyone ever done this? Opinions?

    Here are a couple of the options:
    http://www.amazon.com/Kats-15200-Dip.../dp/B000BO74DG
    http://www.amazon.com/Kats-1153-Hand...=pd_sim_auto_2

    Let me know what you think.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snellville, GA & Lake Sinclair
    Posts
    8,419

    Default

    haven't done this myself as I have the dealer do a full winterization on my boat, but I think there are a minimal number of plugs to pull to drain the water from your block. I bet someone will confirm that this can be done in 15 mins or so once you know what you're doing. For me, I'd go this route vs the heater or maybe even drain & the heater. It would give me more peace of mind.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    251

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wolfeman131 View Post
    haven't done this myself as I have the dealer do a full winterization on my boat, but I think there are a minimal number of plugs to pull to drain the water from your block. I bet someone will confirm that this can be done in 15 mins or so once you know what you're doing. For me, I'd go this route vs the heater or maybe even drain & the heater. It would give me more peace of mind.
    I drained it all last year and it wasn't hard but I would like to try and take it out once a month over the winter. We have still been getting 75 degree days. It makes it more of a pain if you have to do it 4x instead of once.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Snellville, GA & Lake Sinclair
    Posts
    8,419

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by bhowell View Post
    It makes it more of a pain if you have to do it 4x instead of once.
    I hear ya, but I think it would be a bigger pain having to get the motor replaced.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Katy, TX
    Posts
    6,368

    Default

    i think the block heater would work fine as long as there is not a like a major winter storm that knocks out electricity in your storage unit. likely hood of that is low and if that were to happen im sure you could head over there and drain it all real quick
    David

    2017 Moomba Mojo Max Surf Edition, 2 Pair Wetsounds Rev10s powered by an SD2, 6 pair Wetsounds XS650M and Wetsounds XS12 powered by SD6 all controlled by a WS420. 2 Lumitec SeaBlaze X2 Spectrum underwater lights

    SOLD***2008 Mobius LSV, Gravity III , Wake Plate, Z5, Exile SX65c's, Exile XM9s, Exile XI12D, Exile Javelin, Exile 30.2***SOLD

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Vancouver, WA
    Posts
    5,456

    Default

    I wouldn't mess with that dipstick tube setup at all!

    The magnet ones seem simple enough - but I'd consider adding a bungee cord or something to make sure it doesn't fall off. Not willing to bet the farm on it without some insurance.

    If you're really serious about it, you could go with something like this-
    http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS-Performan...oductId=752718

    Basically knock out one of the soft plugs on the end of the block and in this goes.

    Soft plugs are the silver dollar looking plugs on the right and left. They are a press fit and not too terrible to get to.

    So when is this "old enough to know better" supposed to kick in?

    2001 MobiusV - Slightly Modified...

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Tuscaloosa, Alabama
    Posts
    815

    Default

    I am using a heater that is strapped to the bottom of the oil pan. It doesn't get that cold down here anyways. Boat is in a shop and covered up and then the heater. Should be fine.
    Jack Beams
    '05 Outback DD
    325HP EFI Indmar

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Location
    Springfield Missouri
    Posts
    3,391

    Default

    If you have a heater installed, those hoses and heat exchanger probably wouldn't benefit from the block heater.
    1998 Mobius
    310 HP PCM
    SOLD

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Pensacola, FL
    Posts
    1,585

    Default

    I read those reviews on Amazon. While people say is "keep the oil warm for start", I couldn't find anywhere that a temperature was referred to. What temp will it warm up to? How much does that radiate heat out? Seemed like a lot of people who bought something and assumed it worked.

    For a little less money, I think I would opt for a light bulb in the bilge. I know how hot a light bulb can get and I know the insulated engine box will keep it warm while the light is on. That is what I use here in Tampa. Although, I doubt I needed it so far.
    1997 MasterCraft 205

    2008 Moomba Outback
    1999 MasterCraft Sportstar OB
    1992 MasterCraft 205
    1999 Malibu Response LX
    1987 Marlin Magnum Skier

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jul 2002
    Location
    London Ontario Canada
    Posts
    2,259

    Default

    Alight bulb is good but 2 in series will provide a back up if one burns out. A little old man taught me this trick for pump houses in the winter time
    09 21v LAUNCH

    99 Outback LS. Sold


    run your engine after you change your oil
    68 th Member. WS420,HSE Revolution, OJ 466, Acme1157,1100 sacs,Kicker HLCD's n IX500.4, Supra Coolies
    Doug

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