Freeze Warning

[Phillbo]

Hello all, living in the Phoenix area we don't winterize our boats but I have a concern about my water heater (I've never owned a boat with one before). Last time I used the boat I knew I would not be able to get out on it for a month or so and this is our cold time of year so I ran the faucets until they ran dry. I had both the cold and hot faucets open in the galley and the head. Do I need to open the drain valve on the water heater itself to get all the water out or did i get it dry enough by pumping it out the faucets?

We have 4 night expected to be between 28-32* coming this weekend.

Yeah.. I know you guys on the east coast are laughing at me

[dbriceno]

Your hot water heater tank is full of water even when your water tank is empty. You should drain your tank

[HavaMax]

Phil, I'm in havasu with the same forecast. My boat is still in the water, and not winterized. I don't think it will freeze hard enough or long enough to do any damage. But it is on my mind.....

[Phillbo]

Since you are on shore power, can't you put a couple small heaters in the bilge and cabin.

I'm not overly concerned but if it was going to be any colder for a longer period I'd drag it home and plug it in as well.

[HavaMax]

Phil, not overly concerned as I plan on being down on the boat with heater on and watching football all weekend!!! If needed I will make some hot buttered rums to keep the pipes from freezing!!

[biggerseagar]

That is exactly what I would do Havamax.......We like to get the schnapps bottle and add it to our Hot chocolate for our fall beverage on the dock.

Roger

[shrew]

28-32 at night only? And only for a 4 day duration? I wouldn't even be thinking twice about it. For piece of mind I would do the following:

1) Shut the water pump switch off.

2) open ALL of your faucets both the hot and cold side.

3) Open the vent at the top of the hot water heater.

4) Toss some propylene glycol down the head and flush.

I would be surprised if ANYTHING froze on the boat, that is hardly what I'd call a 'hard freeze'. If it does the water will take the path of least resistance and push out the faucets (IF you opened them) before it blew a hose or connector.

[Phillbo]

Never called it a "hard freeze". Water Heater has been drained and all faucets are open. Not too concerned at this point.

[HavaMax]

Just a quick update.... I deep into my freeze watch!!!!

[HavaMax]

Whoops!!!! Forgot this!!!

Sorry cant get a pic to upload right now..... Can't show u guys a empty crown royal bottle!!!

[HavaMax]

[dbriceno]

You should still drain your hot water heater. By the time you use the boat again that water may be a bit skanky

[shrew]

Originally Posted by Phillbo

Never called it a "hard freeze".

I never said you did, though in re-reading i can see that I tough I inferred. Too be clearer, I wouldn't worry unless it was much colder for much longer.