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which Anti-freeze is safe to use in bilge

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/14/2013 : 23:35:32

another winterizing question...

what anti-freeze is usually used in the bilge? Does it matter? I want to use something that is not going to damage the keel bolts. I'm sure none of them will do anything, and I'm sure the folks at West Marine won't steer me wrong, but I'm just wondering what is out there for recommendations?

About how much should I use in the bilge?

Owner 1982 Catalina 25 (Bel Canto), 89 Merc 9.9hp outboard
Read about my sailing adventures on my photo diary at:
https://belcantosailingphotos.shutterfly.com/

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Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2013 : 06:20:59

The bilge area should be dry.
No need to put more water into the boat

If you have any leak from the deck, I suggest to put some tarp over the boat during winter. Even you don't have any leak, I would suggest to cover the boat. It will helps the boat against aging and gaining more wrinkles from ice, dust and UV light.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2013 : 10:18:34

Wet bilges are the result of either a shower in the head that drains to a bilge pump in the bilge or the result of VSS (very slow sinking). Do you have a shower? (attempt at joke)
Honestly the only C 25s with any water have issues that need to be address.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2013 : 13:30:25

I used to get a little water in the bilge over the winter, due to the issues Frank alludes to (windows, rub-rail, scuppers,...?) and I hadn't addressed. (I'm so proud of Frank!

) I poured in some of the pink antifreeze West and every other boating and RV store sells now. It din't totally prevent freezing, because the water that entered diluted the antifreeze. But it made it easy to scoop some slushy ice out periodically. I also pumped some of it into the bilge pump to prevent residual water there from damaging the pump.

Same with the water system in the boat--I pumped it dry, then pumped some pink stuff through the lines to the two sinks. It's non-toxic, and we never drank the water from that tank anyway. In spring commissioning, I put a couple of gallons of water in, pumped it out, and repeated until the color was gone--then filled the tank and added a little bleach.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 10/15/2013 13:31:38

fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2013 : 06:01:18

The bilge for the most part stayed dry all season. There was some seeping through the depth sensor, but it plugged itself as the season went along.

Also, as a follow on question, the bolts had some rust preventative on it. Should that be re-applied periodically as well? it's looking it's flaking a bit.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9076 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2013 : 06:49:06

What's your vintage? (That and a few other vital specs can be in your "Signature" to help us give more specific answers.) Keel bolts starting some time around 1983 (?) are stainless. Earlier ones are mild steel, so something like roofing sealer is probably not a bad idea.

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fmarcelino
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2013 : 08:56:13

I've updated my signature to include a little more detail about my boat. It's a 1982 25' Catalina. How do you get some pictures in the signature?

I'm a petrified first time boat owner, but it's been worth it so far. Sails great, and I've learned a lot so far this season. Really looking forward to next season.

The keel bolts right now have some Rustoleum red oxide primer (that's what the previous owner told me), I'm just wondering if it is safe to sand off and reapply, of if there is no need.

Here are some images of the bolts with the primer on it.
https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0B1hqOSvkPrbFb20talhZWVFneWc&usp=sharing

One of the images shows where the primer flaked off and you can see the silver from the washer, which is what I'm hoping everything else looks like.

I'm getting the boat hauled out of the water this weekend (I hope) and I'll be able to look for the "catalina smile", but the bilge was bone dry most of the season (with the previously mentioned exception with seepage from the depth sounder through fitting which "fixed" itself).

Thanks

Edited by - fmarcelino on 10/16/2013 09:00:35

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 10/16/2013 : 09:22:05

A Catalina 25 is a wonderful first boat, she will bring you home.

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