In the Charleston area, we have a temperate climate that occasionally gets well below freezing. When it comes to engine block and manifold damage, it would have to get well below 32 degrees and stay there for a considerable amount of time before it would cause serious harm. Aside from the actual temperature effect, how and where you store your boat is a major factor. Most insurance policies do not cover this major expense, and you won't know until spring, when you are ready to go out onto the water.
Of course, the best way to protect your investment is to have your engine and water systems winterized, especially if it is going to sit idle for four weeks or more. In addition to freeze protection, winterizing also lubricates internal components and stabilizes the fuel system. Whether or not it gets extremely cold, winterizing can reduce start-up hassles next spring. Additionally, the use of ethanol in today's fuel means that serious problems with fuel phase separation could easily occur if the boat is stored for long periods of time without proper preparation.
As in years past, we are offering a free winterization with an annual service. This is a great time to get your annual service and prepare your boat for the winter lay-up. Basic winterizing without annual service starts as low as $99.
Schedule your service and winterizing with our on-line scheduler or call 843-744-2628 today to schedule your appointment. If you wait for a cold snap, we may not be able to get to your boat in a timely manner.
If you have any questions about your specific situation, please do not hesitate to call or check out your Owner's Manual to familiarize yourself with specific winterizing requirements for your engine, or check out further information on winterizing at our website where we have more information regarding cold weather effects and winterizing.
Sometimes regular winterization techniques are not practical. A winterized boat can not be used on beautiful winter days, or it will have to be done again. Where the boat is stored may create difficulties such as in the water or on a lift.
An Engine Room Heater May Be An Option
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One option is an engine room heater. This device is easy to install It is perfect for boats that stay in the water or on a lift where 110v power is readily available. It turns on and off automatically based on the engine room temperature. We sell and recommend BoatSafe engine heaters.
Another option is to purchase and install a Superflush engine flushing system. This system allows you to flush saltwater out of your engine for corrosion protection, while offering an easy method of flushing antifreeze through the system by yourself.
Whichever way you plan to protect your investment, please contact us early. If you wait until a cold snap, we may not be able to get your boat done before it is too late.
Jeff Bastien
Service Manager
service@duncansboats.com