Winter all over cover going on- Must be getting colder.

[JORIDAPILOT]

The ones I linked to you just put in the microwave for 6 minutes to dry out so if I do that once a week I shouldnt have a problem and I can do that on the boat. So do you not bother with winterising the engine then JP?

I always think I am going to use it one more time but then never do. I do drain all the water systems, sometimes I take the batteries home and use the dehumidifier and heater but I don't usually have the engine flushed through. I do have a full service in the spring before the first use though.

One year I want to go out on New Years Day but it would have to be really calm and sunny even if very cold.

[markanddawn]

Have been thinking of installing a dehumidifier this year,
Has anyone tried 1 and if so what do they think?

yes, great job but get a dessicent dehumidifier, last year I changed to a Meaco as it got top marks in another mag..... & the guys on "the other channel" seem to think they are the best too

a current link

http://www.meaco.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DD122FW


make sue the one you get has an auto by-pass drain & that when set on a time clock that the model is one that will turn its self back on after being cut off by the time clock

I have just ordered the exact model above, should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully I can avoid stripping the interior furnishings and life jackets etc if this lives up to the claims. All the customer reviews sound amazing.

On another issue, I have about 1/2 tank of petrol (total 350 litres, huge for size of boat). Should I be brimming the tank over winter or is that only required for diesel. I fear some condensation build up as it ran like a pig on bonfire night hesitating before picking up RPM. I couldn't run for any length as it was dark and nav lights packed in. Or could it be just that the boat had stood for 2 months?

[ian h]

Will be intrested to see your thoughts on how it works keeping things dry.

When i had the fletcher i always kept the tank full and added fuel stabiliaser in the winter if not planning on using boat, Other times of year i added dry fuel ( or something like) to help. Never had any problems running after that.

[Matt13]

Have been thinking of installing a dehumidifier this year,
Has anyone tried 1 and if so what do they think?

yes, great job but get a dessicent dehumidifier, last year I changed to a Meaco as it got top marks in another mag..... & the guys on "the other channel" seem to think they are the best too

a current link

http://www.meaco.com/proddetail.asp?prod=DD122FW


make sue the one you get has an auto by-pass drain & that when set on a time clock that the model is one that will turn its self back on after being cut off by the time clock

I have just ordered the exact model above, should arrive tomorrow. Hopefully I can avoid stripping the interior furnishings and life jackets etc if this lives up to the claims. All the customer reviews sound amazing.

On another issue, I have about 1/2 tank of petrol (total 350 litres, huge for size of boat). Should I be brimming the tank over winter or is that only required for diesel. I fear some condensation build up as it ran like a pig on bonfire night hesitating before picking up RPM. I couldn't run for any length as it was dark and nav lights packed in. Or could it be just that the boat had stood for 2 months?

from my limited knowledge I thought it was best to empty the tank for petrol and fill for diesel, of course I could be completely wrong

[jokaboat]

[quote="markanddawn"
On another issue, I have about 1/2 tank of petrol (total 350 litres, huge for size of boat). Should I be brimming the tank over winter or is that only required for diesel. I fear some condensation build up as it ran like a pig on bonfire night hesitating before picking up RPM. I couldn't run for any length as it was dark and nav lights packed in. Or could it be just that the boat had stood for 2 months? [/quote]

Blimey that's a biggun

We don't drain, just add fuel stabiliser, although I've also been told that with modern fuels that's not necessary.

I believe more is good for diesel and less is good for petrol.

[markanddawn]

Ianh - will report on dehumidifier after a weeks use, can pull up to 7 litres per day - wow.

Matt - I use the boat all year round, so cannot drain otherwise I think you are correct.

Joka - Please tell me what stabliser you use, I believe the fuel settles or Octane degardes with time??? I know the tank is huge, which gives me the feeling of good fuel economy (until I refill the tank).

[jokaboat]

Not a clue as it gets done when I have the engine service. I'll ask the service guys.

[markanddawn]

Thank you Joka

[jokaboat]

Apparently they use the Mercruiser branded one but they've not done a comparison of price / effectiveness against others.

[salamis]

I also use Mercruisers Quicksilver stabaliser, expensive but I can buy it locally from Plancraft.
With all these things though in reality you are looking at around 3 months and worst case around 4 months laying idle.
My mazda MX5 will be put away for the same period under cover, and I will stick a bit of stabaliser in but I have no doubts about it working fine next Spring. As Joka says modern fuels are very resiliant these days.
You can worry yourself to death over these things. So if you are fortunate to keep the boat dry and frost free that is the best you can do.

[markanddawn]

Thanks Salamis and Joka

I wish I had a barn or large garage but unfortunately, she will not even fit through the entrance of my driveway. I have bought the dehumidifier recommended by T15 and I do have a tube frost heater in engine compartment. Not sure what else I can do.

I also plan on using her on the odd few sunny (but cold) winter days, generally there can be some mill pond waters during a crisp winter day. For this reason, I need to leave her comissioned.

Thanks for the advice.

[salamis]

How about this for a bespoke boat cover, just knit one of your own.
Patchwork covers could this be the way to 'put your boat to bed' for the winter?

[jokaboat]

That's the whole output from the local WI for a year

[markanddawn]

I have now installed my new dehumidifier which turned up on a next working day basis.

I am operating it in Auto mode, which maintains the humidity at an acceptable level to prevent mold, damp and condensation.

My boat isn't too damp but even after a few hours you could visibly see and feel the difference. It has an auto drain function, so you can leave safe in the knowledge it will keep working. Unfortunately, I do not have a sink (only a loo) to drain off to, so I am using a 25L drum, which should fill every 3 days.

I paid £169 for it and although my chandlery are selling one for £119, it is of the compressor type which only works from 5 degrees, mine operates between 1 degree and 40 degree range. The biggest benefit and one I didn't account for, was the warm air it generates leaving the cabin warm AND dry avoiding the cost of any supplementary heating device and this I am sure will keep it working within the temperature range. Totally recommend. Thanks T15.

Video of same model on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Mt7Jk1 ... re=related

[betty boop]

I have now installed my new dehumidifier which turned up on a next working day basis.

I am operating it in Auto mode, which maintains the humidity at an acceptable level to prevent mold, damp and condensation.

My boat isn't too damp but even after a few hours you could visibly see and feel the difference. It has an auto drain function, so you can leave safe in the knowledge it will keep working. Unfortunately, I do not have a sink (only a loo) to drain off to, so I am using a 25L drum, which should fill every 3 days.

I paid £169 for it and although my chandlery are selling one for £119, it is of the compressor type which only works from 5 degrees, mine operates between 1 degree and 40 degree range. The biggest benefit and one I didn't account for, was the warm air it generates leaving the cabin warm AND dry avoiding the cost of any supplementary heating device and this I am sure will keep it working within the temperature range. Totally recommend. Thanks T15.

Video of same model on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4Mt7Jk1 ... re=related

bugger-- my Meaco arrived yesterday but it was the lower model-- I order it thinking of moaning tenants & condesation & it didnt occur to me to think of boats, bugger - bugger -- bugger