Winterizing Sea Ray Sundancer - Engines, Generator, Water System & A/C

That sad time of year when we here in the north have to put away our boats - but not before winterizing the engines, generator, water system and A/C units.
Starbright Winterizing Kit on Amazon. Note that I purchased this at the beginning of September/23 and the price was $70.55, so be sure to check your pricing (which would be subject to market availability) before ordering: amzn.to/3Qbc6qh
Garden Hose repair mender (that I used to connect winterizing line); amzn.to/48PPKlK
Blueskin membrane: amzn.to/3rNYZ58
DampRid Refillable Moisture Absorber, which we place inside the boat both during winter storage, as well as a couple throughout the summer months; amzn.to/48G8y6G
Link to my 'I Left! Moving On To Better Boating Changes For Us!!' video; • I Left! Moving To New ...
For a look at all of the projects I've done (continue to do) on this beautiful Sea Ray Sundancer, as well as on our previous boats, have a look at nearly 100 projects in my 'How I Did It - Boat Repairs And Upgrades' playlist, here; • How I Did It - Boat Re...
Be sure to check out our 'Summer Cruise 2022' series, as we cruised for 5-1/2 weeks through much of Ontario, Canada's lovely 240 mile/386 km Trent Severn Waterway and even reaching the Rideau Canal for a few days! Full playlist can be found here; • Summer 2022 Cruise
I hope you'll also follow along with my Blog (boatingwithboogaboo.wordpress...) for lots more boating content from our past 25 years of loving this incredible boating lifestyle!
Enjoy this video and would like to support the channel even more? Feel free to make a one time or ongoing contribution via PayPal here: www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_....
Filmed September, 2023.
Boat Specs;
- Model: 1998 Sea Ray 370 Sundancer
- Length (bow to transom): 37-6", LOA (with factory swim platform): 40'-1"
- Beam: 12'-7"
- Engines: 2 x 7.4 litre (454 Cubic Inch) Mercruiser Bluewater, Multi-Port fuel injection, gasoline,
raw water cooled, rated at 310 HP
- Transmissions: 2 x Borg Warner Velvet Drives, in Vee-Drive configuration
- Performance: Average cruising speed 22MPH on plane @ 3,200 RPM
- Dry Weight: 17,000 lbs
- Fully Loaded Weight: Boat + Fuel (1,664) + Water (580) + Gear (1,250 +/-) = 20,500 LBS
- Fuel Capacity: 275 U.S. gallons ~ 1,040 litres * Usable Capacity 261 US Gallons ~ 989 litres
- Freshwater Holding Tank Capacity: 70 US Gallons ~ 58.3 Imperial Gallons ~ 265 litres
- Poop Holding Tank Capacity: 40 US Gallons ~ 33.3 Imperial Gallons ~ 151 litres
- Draft: 32”
- Dead Rise: 20 degrees
- Generator: Westerbeke 7.2 Kw BCGTC @ 60 Hz, gasoline powered & carburated, 3,600 RPM continuous engine speed
- Dual reverse cycle heating/air conditioning units, 19,000 (total) BTU (12 + 7)
Video/Photo Equipment Used (Updated list, 2024);
- DJI Pocket 2; amzn.to/4aTN6vO
- GoPro Hero 7 Black; amzn.to/4b9VG9k
- GoPro suction cup mount; amzn.to/49Zo8cW
- DJI Mavic Mini 3 for Aerial Drone Shots; amzn.to/4b9DoF6
- Mavic Mini Carrying Case; amzn.to/49WDTkQ
- Google Pixel 6 Pro + iPhone 12 for still photos + supplemental video
- Editing done with Vegas Movie Studio 11
* Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Happy Boating :-)

[@user-Bruce_B]

Great video Paul. Judging by the comments it’s needed. I’m surprised you don’t have a bypass on the hot water tank and simply drain it. I did notice the hint about cats.😄

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Check my reply to CanuckSpyder on the lack of a bypass. Glad you noticed the cat(s) reference 😉

[@daveschultz3132]

I went one step even cheaper for winterizing my Chaparral. I used a 5gal bucket and a house hose faucet. I only have to do my engine. I run my engine on the garden house to warm up the engine and change the muffs to my bucket hose. Then run 6 gallons on antifreeze. A friend also uses my bucket to winterize his Motorhome. Definitely have got my money worth out of my $10 for this set up over the last 15 years. Truly love watching you channel with how you do it. For me it’s like hanging out in the garage with friends.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Sounds 👍 And since we're hanging out at your garage today, how about a cold one 🍺 😜

[@daveschultz3132]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo sounds good. I’ll have to get you some corona, my frig only has craft beer in it.

[@greensdreams]

Great job paul-giver especially now that engine winterizing has sky rocketed. Next season put that boat on auto pilot and i bet it will find its way back to pib! Have a good off season.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

That's the plan! You as well. Here's to Boating Season '24 :-)

[@32marinetteexpress]

Paul, as a marine mechanic, I would strongly suggest that you pull the block drain, and exhaust manifold plugs out of your main engines. I have seen and had to replace a few engines that the boat owners had gone the same route as you. The antifreeze does not mix well enough in the block to stop it from cracking if the temps get below 20 degrees F., I live in the Upper Peninsula, so I would think that temp we experience are about the same as yours. At a cost of probably $20k an engine to replace and the loss of use during the summer, the little bit of time it takes to pull the plugs is well worth it and gives good piece of mind, in my eyes. I don't want to sound like a know -it- all, I just would like to help you out, as you have helped so many others out with your videos. I love your videos and hope to see a lot more in the future.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

👍

[@610boating5]

Thanks for the video, while watching at work I realized I forgot my transom shower. I use the same container but took my hole saw and put a hole in the top. That hole allows me to fill with antifreeze as needed. Thx

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Good idea, but I like not having to worry about spillage when I move the tank. I'm really a bit of a clutz as I advance in years, so my knocking it over is a very real possibility 😂

[@610boating5]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo yep, knocked it into the bilge, I think we are the same age.

[@aaroncraig8250]

Always enjoy your feeds Paul. This one hurt me a little though. We do same winterizing here in Toledo a few minutes from your purchase of your boat. We use a 5 Gal Culligan Jug and cheap components from Menards to make same system $12.00 and we have a pc of Lexan scrap for are adapter it allowed 3/8 fitting to screw in and seal nicely and we have the ability to view the process. 70.00 makes me cry for your pocket book. That is a few Corona's

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I hear ya, but after doing it the bucket method for years, I wanted something more self contained, without having to source out different components. My continuous aching back needs a break 😉

[@cpwatching5647]

Well done!! I like the fixtures you fabricated. We are tucked away for the winter. Take care.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks 👍 After struggling with jugs down in the bilge, this made my work a lot easier. And given how my old body isn't cooperating with me so much these days, I'll look forward to less potential spillage in the billage in the coming years ;-)

[@EastTNflyer]

Great video!!. I had a company winterize all the systems on my 340 last year at a cost of $1200!!.. will be doing my own this year.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Great. But as I mentioned, maybe have an experienced fellow boater help you out the first time 😉

[@SeaRay380DA]

I have also disconnected the raw water hose at the seacock and placed the hose inside a 5 gallon bucket of antifreeze to suck into the engines.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I've done that method as well. Works okay with the genny on our 370, but the lines are very tight on the main engines, so introducing the antifreeze by way of the strainers is the most convenient approach for me.

[@SeaRay380DA]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo Yep, I'm not a fan of disconnecting those hoses, especially how tight they are. Not a lot of room in my engine compartment to get a 5 gallon bucket in there either, there was on my prior boat.

[@WiscoBoater]

LOL...may have to add an 's' to Cat...😎

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

You noticed 😉

[@NagChampa72]

Just discovered your channel as I look through hundreds of boating vids. I want to learn as much about day to day maintenance as I can before deciding if boating is for me. My wife has been around them from childhood, me not so much but I am handy with a wrench. Maintenance would be done by me mostly but I know when to call in the pro's. Keep it up, I like how you are straight up about the challenges of vessel ownership, a vast resource for someone in my position.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Great, glad to have you aboard! Yes, challenging can be an appropriate term for the ongoing maintenance issues on our boats, but it's part of the territory. As someone commented here recently, all boats come with broken parts - you just haven't found them yet 😂 For me, I'm grateful that I can take care of the work myself and come away with confidence in the boat, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and fix whatever needs fixing. Keep in mind that I am NOT a mechanic, have zero formal training and don't consider myself an expert in any sense of the word. Just a boater who is passionate about the lifestyle and not afraid to take things apart and get my hands dirty. Hope you get a chance to watch my ever expanding 'How I Did It' playlist (, How I Did It - Boat Repairs & Upgrades: kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2GpE-r5PjPvMtaRygCEb_si with well over 100 projects so far and many more to come - including the one I just finished editing 👍 On top of that, I'm going to start a new feature aimed towards the new boater as well as those who, like yourself, are considering jumping into the boating world. I'll look forward to your comments! I'm here for the long run and am inspired by positive feedback, and will do my best to get back to all the questions! Cheers and happy boat shopping 😁

[@Chillin_in_AZ]

Greetings from the desert Southwest. Enjoyed your vid. You're such a tease. Looking forward to seeing the new sweetheart. ;-)

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

He's only really, really small right now, but given that he has some Maine Coon in him, he should be a good size for the start of boating season next year. And he's getting along famously with Little Tiny, so they should be good traveling companions :-)

[@Chillin_in_AZ]

@BoatingWithBoogaboo Sorry I hit the thumbs down, not intended. I have a Maine Coon mix, they're the best.

[@joestephen1826]

Paul been watching your feed for a while now always great info you share with the community. Hope you guys enjoy your new home marina next season!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks! In case you haven't picked up on it yet, our boating life is my passion and always happy to share our experiences from cruising to fixing stuff 🙂 And yes, we are pumped for next season in the new-to-us marina! Looking forward to being in a professionally run facility.

[@airman6822]

Nice work! Just did mine yesterday. Cant believe it's time already. Cheers!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

How time flies!

[@1detroitryder]

i usually do it myself i use 4 gallons per engine using negative 100 antifreeze ... when it comes out of the exhaust i know its all the way though the engine... i also drain my engine blocks before i run anti freeze im just extra when it comes to my engines

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

When I did the engine winterizing at the end of last season, I also pulled the drain plugs in the blocks, as the boat was new to us in '22 (kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2FqN3UkwONjmvAeqX4QYHjF). Having not know what the previous owner had done, I wanted to poke the openings (I use a zip tie for that) to clear any rust, sand, etc. before I introduced the antifreeze.

[@AdventuresonTour]

Great idea on the wooden caps, you've given me an idea 😂.... I've got the same winterizing kit simp,e but works great.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Good to hear! Those caps are going to make my winterizing a lot quicker and easier from now on.

[@frankl.1027]

Paul, Anchor Girl, Frank here from Searay 340 Sundancer "Gr'ah Sea Us", Ottawa Canada: When boat winterizing time suddenly comes along, and it's always paired with a sudden, deep sense of nostalgia, which I let sink in for a few hours to reminisce in an appreciative and blessed manner (I did the entire Rideau Canal this summer with wife and son from Ottawa to Kingston / Sandbanks and back, loved it) and then I immediately switch from defensive mode to offense to look pass winter: time to plan for the next summer like never before, right? Lol. So, for 2024 I'm planning to do the Rideau Canal again and, this time around, continue on the entire Trent-Severn Canal pass Killarney (early next summer to avoid potential crowds) and to roam there for weeks as I'm recently retired. 1) Given your boating experience and in those regions, what are things that you'd most be looking forward to if you were doing the trip? Should I bring my dinghy just in case, or not really necessary? Btw, I already have tools ready, spare duck bill valves, toilet gaskets and bellows that I had the "chance" to change this summer tks to your other videos, lol.) 2) I intend to start a boating KZbin channel (you 'pushed' me for it a while back and it's gaining traction) and I desire to include in it this imminent vacation... do you have any general advice about that? (Camera type/quality, stand, gimble, wind reducer, software and such that makes a difference?) Thanks to your other boating video I'll install a water filtration system on mine in the Spring. By the way, love the pretty cat and, thanks to this video, I'll likely start doing my own winterizing next winter :) Glad you found a new paradise!!

[@ampegor]

If heading up killarney way i would suggest bringing the Dinghy. Its always nice as there are many places to go ashore and sometimes you might get invited to cocktails on shore. Congrats on retiring I am still 3-4 years away.

[@frankl.1027]

Good point although my concern for the 6-8 weeks vacation is that the dinghy would have to sit on the entire swim platform, tight to the boat (that's in order for me to be able to clear the boat waves from crashing onto the dinghy when (a) I want to cruise and (b) when I slow down after cruising (despite my extended davits with 3" lift kit): I'd have to un-tie and push the heavy dinghy away from the boat every time I need to screw in the BBQ or to walk along the swim platform when needed. In addition, when the dinghy is in the water, pulling it back up is a challenge and not a fun task. Wouldn't want to hurt my back. During our entire 2 weeks Rideau Canal vacation this summer, we didn't use the dinghy once and it was often in the way, not to mention that we can't swim or use the ladder because of it. I like the idea of bringing it "just in case" but... I'm getting to the realization that, unless I specifically plan on using it, then I should consider leaving it behind. But if I do that and, to your point, plus Murphy's Law, that's when I'd wish I had it with me, lol. I bought it initially to further explore (which I rarely do) when anchored with the big boat and for my son to go fishing (and that's only in the Spring). I appreciate your comment and will take it under consideration! - Oh man, retirement (at 57) is so good! No regrets. I get to enjoy life while still healthy and what better way than doing that on a boat. 3-4 years away will come fast for you, you're almost there, I'm VERY happy for you :)) And sounds like Paul is about to retire too, sooner than later. Cheers to you, Paul, Anchor Girl and all others with a cold Corona, LOL!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Congrats on retirement - especially at the young age of 57 :-) I'm still 3-4 years away, or at least until that day that my back fully gives out. . . As for places I would look forward to visiting on the trip you outlined, I'd say anywhere along the TSW. As you've already done the complete Rideau, and hopefully have watched my cruising videos, you'll know that the locks and docks are completely different, so don't be surprised to see lots of concrete, as opposed to the low wood docks of the Rideau. That said, the approaces and ability to dock and pass through locks, IMO, is so much easier to do on the TSW. Here's my full playlist of our TSW experiences: kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2EFaPCqEgjxYofTvO9Mbh81 As for camera equipment I use, after 15 ++ years of doing this, I try to keep it as simple and compact as possible. The current handheld camera is a DJI Pocket 2 ( amzn.to/3tCGJfK ). Don't think you could find anything smaller in that form factor and it sows away nicely when not in use. The other camera I use is a GoPro Hero 7 Black, but am looking at updating to the Hero 10 ( amzn.to/3M6GSyb ), as it has a front facing screen, making setting up shots a little more convenient. All of my Sit Back Sunday vids (kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2GpGcQnSGJXol5Ki4O709Rf) were captured with the GoPro, using a suction cup mount so I can stick it to the windshield while driving. Be sure to let us all know when you've started posting your boating videos!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I'd agree that a dinghy on The Bay would come in handy. We used ours regularly on our Georgian Bay trips over the years. That said, when we had our last dinghy, it got used a total of zero times while cruising in the '21 season and I sold it as soon as we finished our '2021 Summer Cruise' (kzbin.info/aero/PLKhjT5kr2l2H5JxoQB2jbeL1aUERkSQPU&si=ybdNBoUd6MNolYVV), as we really didn't need it while on the TSW. Take a look at a few of the videos in that playlist and the only times you see it is hanging off the swim platform. Yup, brand new Highfeild + Yamaha 9.9 + dinghy davit system, but no use out of it. We actually sold the package with only 7 hours on the motor :-/ As Frank pointed out, it was more in the way than anything. That and the hassle of pulling it onto the swim platform and strapping it down., putting on the cover was more than my (and I know you don't want to hear me whining about this again) aching back wanted to deal with anymore. In a perfect world, a boat with a hydrolic platform that could accommodate a small centre console dinghy would probably be the only way we'd get another dinghy for traveling with. . .

[@joedirt9600]

Great Video as usual buddy, u have Easy Adjustment all put away. I winterized myself this year, scored some great inside storage (unheated).

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Good stuff. Consider yourself very lucky to have heated storage for the off season. When we bought the current Boogaboo, it was in a heated (72°F) facility in Sandusky, Ohio. With seven day a week access, it was awesome! That would be great to have, but nothing like that is available to us locally...

[@joedirt9600]

​@@BoatingWithBoogaboothe storage building is unheated, but even just being inside I feel very fortunate... Have a safe winter and look forward to further videos..

[@lindamaurice9923]

My husband just made his own jug thing. Didn't know you could buy one

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I used to use either a five gallon pail, or even a big jug with a line directly into the strainer, but as I get older, this is a much simpler approach for me.

[@jasonkranczoch4776]

How about the city water hook up?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I've never used that on any of our boats, so I don't have to do anything with it. But good question 👍

[@patricksteliga4252]

Not certain about your model, but my 55 has a freshwater wash down spigot in the lazarette. My previous Sundancer's did as well, so I am assuming you have one. That will need to be winterized as well. Fortunately, I leave my boat in the water in PNW year round and don't have to worry about winterizing. Just have a hardwired bilge heater with a thermostat that kicks on when the temps drop below the set threshold. Cheers...

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks for the heads-up.

[@sailor3233]

Wouldn't you want a valve so you can run water first then switch to antifreeze? Therefore giving it time to warm up and have the thermostat open...?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Engines were run ahead of putting through the antifreeze.

[@danadiggins793]

Two questions if you don’t mind…do you run your antifreeze through the hot water heater? And Do you open ensure your wash down faucet in the water intake storage hatch is winterized? General comment: if have never seen a cleaner engine room and bilge in my life! Other than a brand new boat. Nicely done! How about a how to do that video!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

As I mentioned in some of the other comments, I don't have a bypass on the water heater on this boat and simply run the antifreeze through it. As for my 'clean' engine room, I appreciate the thumbs up, but I still have a way to go to make it truly impressive. Not to win any points with viewers, but this boat came to us with only lots of surface grime (and dog hair and dog hair and DOG HAIR everywhere), so it is worthy of cleaning all the hard to get at spots in an effort to bring it back to factory clean looking. I will be producing a video on that and the process I used, but it is really no more than wiping everything down with a good cleaner. I have already started that with lots of 'before' pics, and was hoping to finish it this past summer, but work and my bad back got in the way...

[@dextersxxxxlab]

Great video and great idea to use a piece of wood as a temporary lid for the strainers. I was thinking of how to do so and was in between taking a hose off or to let is suck from a bucket or just pooring it in the openend strainer while we run the stuff we need to winterze. That last would have made a mess and the first would have asked for extensions in some places. So yeah. Great idea that I will steal from you. Just some questions. What kind of antifreeze do you use for this? The same stuff you poor into the window washing tank of the car? or the car/boat cooling fluid? I guess the first for the windows since that is less "greasy" and smells less toxic haha. And does it leave a taste and smell to the water /water system after the winter? I guess you flush the tank and system one or two times before you actually use it again?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

The product for this job is a boat or R/V, non-toxic plumbing antifreeze only. Those other products you mentioned will NOT work, so don't try them. As I said in the video, best have an experienced friend help you out the first time you try this job yourself. It's all pretty straightforward, but an extra set of eyes can help to avoid problems. Good luck!

[@BikeBoatandTravel]

Very neat approach 👍 those wooden caps for the strainers are a great idea.. Question, do you let the antifreeze that you put in the fresh water tank fill the hot water tank or do you by-pass and drain it for winter.

[@curtwynkoop6085]

I always bypassed the hot water heater on the Searay I had and let it drain. I was always told not to run RV antifreeze through it as it gives the hot water a funny smell the next season which doesn't come out.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I just use antifreeze through the entire system, including the water heater. Back when we had the Sedan Bridge, I made a simple bypass, as the tank & lines were super easy to get to. Not so much in the current 370. As you know, it's tucked away down in the aft cabin under the rear bench and not so easy to access. Same issue on our prior 330 Dancer, with it being in a cramped area of the engine room, so just ran antifreeze through it as well. As Curt mentioned, the smell takes a few thorough rinse throughs to dissipate the smell, but not a huge deal...

[@BikeBoatandTravel]

Simple and straightforward I like your whole process. I relinquished the task to the techs at the marina for this boat. I did it all on our past boats. I hope they do a good job. 🤞

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I would imagine that the Starport techs would do a proper, professional job - not unlike the rest of their services (from what I've seen so far).

[@eternitysshore]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo We have a similar situation Paul. This is exactly why I didn't try to bypass the hot water heater as well. Yes, it's another 4-5 gallons of antifreeze and it takes a little more time to flush it through in the spring, but my hot water heater was moved aft behind the black water tank to make room for the new diesel tank for the new generator, and so it too is not very accessible. But it wasn't a big deal last year. And one less "ninja like" maneuvering for the Admiral or me! We'll spend it elsewhere.

[@user-oh6qp7ln1r]

Great info Paul. Thank you very much for sharing. Question: What camera do you use for your video footage. Regards. Orlton

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

I use a DJI Pocket2 for the handheld shots and GoPro 7 for the clips of the fluid going through the lines.

[@dwarshow]

@BoatingWithBoogaboo Really enjoyed this video, as I struggle with deciding whether to winterize myself or hire someone. Our boat has dual 4.3 MPI with closed look cooling, so doesn't have the through-hole for the raw water. What would you do differently?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Actually, it would have the through hulls, irrespective of the closed cooling system. The closed cooling provides antifreeze which goes through a heat exchanger - not unlike a radiator in a car. In a car setup, the radiator uses air passing through to cool down the engine antifreeze. On a boat, the heat exchanger uses seawater (the water that is pulled from a lake, river or ocean) to cool the antifreeze. That seawater comes through the through hull inlet 👍

[@dwarshow]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboomy (limited) understanding is the raw water comes from the out drives via the impellers in the lower units. I guess from there, it goes through the heat exchanger and back out.

[@davec3396]

Looks like it works great ! Been looking for a solution for this and flushing on my salt water 380 . Does the windshield washer fluid pull from the fresh water tank . Do you have to run antifreeze through those ?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Glad it helped! As for windshield washer, our 370 Dancer wasn't equipped with that, however I did look that up when we were looking at 410's before buying the current Boogaboo. From what I learned (probably on ClubSeaRay.com) is that it uses freshwater from the onboard system. Whether one needs to run antifreeze through that or not, I couldn't tell you.

[@marylandsearaysundancer5937]

Hello again! Do you have a bypass kit installed on the water heater?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

No, I just pass the antifreeze through the entire system. Our water heater is located under the aft bench in the aft/mid cabin and getting at it is a pain for my painful back...

[@lindamaurice9923]

Paul, do you not have a water spigot in the back storage compartment?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes. As I replied to someone else, we've never used that on our last two boats and only twice on the Sedan Bridge, so I haven't/don't do any specific winterizing to that myself...

[@davidh7423]

Curios. No fogging the generator? Or running the layup mix thru the MPIs?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

No fogging in my engines ever. Given that we are in an area of 'real winter' conditions, there's little to no likelihood of condensation building up on the cylinder walls and the only result would be to foul the plugs 😉 As for a layup mix, that's also a big nope. I do add a fuel stabilizer into the gas though. A full can of Sea Foam with every fuel top-up, plus another can a couple of weeks before the end of the season to make sure it's run through the engines & genny. Been doing it like this for 25 years and everything always fires up perfectly in the following Spring 👍

[@geraldmuccioli8374]

Given the small inside diameter of the hose that comes with this is there any risk of burning up the impellers due to low flow compared to the larger hose that normally feeds the pump? also did you shut off the seacock before you started the engines (could not tell but light have missed that step in the video).

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Yes, Sea Cocks were closed prior to starting all three engines - genny + two main engines (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqrCc4OCnNx9bdksi=h9--WKikKHRH-b9X&t=284). If I hadn't, the antifreeze would have been mostly seawater ;-) And the small hose I used to introduce the antifreeze was adequate FOR WINTERIZING ONLY, as the engines were only run at idle speed. As an engine speeds up, more cooling water would be required, so a larger hose(s) are needed for everyday engine cooling...

[@marylandsearaysundancer5937]

Hello! Do you winterize your city water inlet? The hose outlet in the rear compartment? Thank you for the video!

[@SeaRay380DA]

You should, yes, I blow mine out with an air compressor.

[@marylandsearaysundancer5937]

I saw on line that you can press the check valve in to let the pink come out. Need to remove the screen inside the inlet port first. The pressure from the pump will push flow that way.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

As we never use that on our past three boats, I don't touch it.

[@richardcorcorran8965]

Did you get galley sink sprayer?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

D'oh!! Now I know what I'm doing this weekend ;-) In my defense, I was really excited to finish up, as I was mere minutes away from departing the old marina in anticipation of getting to the new one! If you haven't had a chance, check out the big move here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/poemY6SjeM-Bg8U

[@willelder6359]

Hey Paul ! I do my own service as well. But I noticed in your video on the motor winterizing, you did mention anything about draining the water. There are 5 plugs. Is it not really necessary to pull them? Just running the Anti-freeze will be good enough?. Just trying to see if it's overkill?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

As this boat was new-to-us last year, I did pull those plugs to poke out any accumulated rust, sand etc. (a zip tie works well for that job). Once that was done, I ran antifreeze through them, just like shown in this video. This year, I decided to forego the drain plugs, as I'm confident that everything is all good. If I have time (and my back cooperates), I might pull the drain plugs at the end of next season...

[@SeaRay380DA]

I have done both, drain the raw water first, then fill up with antifreeze, and similar to what Paul does. There is a slight risk you are diluting the pink antifreeze by not draining the raw water first.

[@rstevens3221]

For the engines if you don't have the 5 gallon tank could you just close the seacock, take off the strainer cap and pour antifreeze into the strainer while someone runs the engine until it comes out of the exhaust?

[@SeaRay380DA]

I do not recommend that. You want good flow and you do not want your impellers to run dry.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Bingo.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Would be a bit dicey, as trying to pour into that small hole would be a challenge.

[@ampegor]

That's how i do mine every year. I use 3 gallons per engine and if i run the engine about 1500 rpm it takes a minute or two and never ran the strainer dry. I make sure the pink comes out the exhaust and the no drip shaft seals. Works for me. As long as you have three gallons or so open and ready to go no issues.This also leaves the strainers full of antifreeze and the rest drains back out the sea cock so I have no water in the lines. The only disadvantage is i can spill some but that's ok as my boat has a keel bilge and needs a bit down there to displace any water. But as Paul likes to say "this is how I do it".

[@seanmcc45]

Hey Paul, I know you do pumpouts before winterizing... Do you leave that last little bit of gray and black water in their respective tanks?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

None our boats were ever fitted with grey water tanks, so no issue there. The black water tank is fully pumped out prior to doing the winterizing. Flushing the toilet a couple of times (with antifreeze in the water lines) helps protect any residual liquid in that tank.

[@seanmcc45]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo yep, that's what I was thinking. Just wasn't 100% on the Grey water

[@DarcyCole]

I bought the perko cap, how much antifreeze did you run through the engines ?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Perko cap?? Didn't know they made such a device - send me a link if you get a chance. As for the engines & genny, roughly for gallons of antifreeze per...

[@DarcyCole]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo ok I use 4 per engine as well , 2 probably would be enough but I’d rather over due it

[@DarcyCole]

@@BoatingWithBoogaboo it’s a plan to. Resin and works similar to what you made for way cheaper lol think it was 50 usd plus shipping

[@perkoflushcaps]

Thanks for the shout out @DarcyCole for my caps!

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Are you the illusive Perko Caps guy?? Darcey never got back to me on that....

[@stevewilliams4777]

I read your hot water bypass comments but wouldn't it take you a lot more than 5 or 6 gallons of antifreeze since you are not bypassing it?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Indeed. I use roughly 10-12 gallons of antifreeze for the freshwater system....

[@stevewilliams4777]

@BoatingWithBoogaboo thanks. I do believe video said 5 to 6 gallons. Maybe I misheard or you mentioned a different part of boat. My hot water tank is on a tight spot under my couch so difficult too drain or bypass so I went with your method.

[@SeaRay380DA]

Thanks for the idea, here's how I built my caps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIOsfH2DZ8eLl6s I recommend filling the strainers prior to putting the wooden caps on to a get a good prime and to reduce the risk of no water, and a damaged impeller. I know it gets very cold there. Are you concerned by not completely purging the fresh water system of water, before adding the antifreeze, the antifreeze is somewhat diluted?

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Not worried about it, as I pump a full four gallons of antifreeze through each engine, with nothing but pink exiting the exhaust when done. All good, despite the torture that Mother Nature puts us through each w****r 😂

[@SeaRay380DA]

​@@BoatingWithBoogaboo totally agreed on getting old and our bodies, I was actually referencing the freshwater system though. It happened to my boat when I first purchased it. Previous owner ran the pink stuff through without purging the system first. Freshwater line going to the shower cracked over the winter

[@SeaRay380DA]

Great video; I have seen others use the round wooden blocks as well. Don't forget the water between the strainer, seacock and thru hull. I use a shop vac to blow that out. Here is how I did everything last year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZuQiGeDhLhggJY

[@patricksteliga4252]

He mentioned that indicating he opens the seacock when the boat is hauled to drain the length between the sea strainer and the through hull.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

As I mentioned in the video, once Boogaboo is raised up in the slip, I'll then open all the sea-cocks and gravity will do the rest to drain the lines.

[@BoatingWithBoogaboo]

Thanks for watching. I hope to get a chance to film the boat (or at least our neighbors) when being raised in the slip. If I remember, I'll also take a shot of the through-hulls being opened so that everyone can see that ;-)

[@SeaRay380DA]

Sorry, I missed that. They raise your boat up in the slip? That's new to me I'm curious to see that.