[firstlight]

How to winterize fesh water system in 36' 2006 open? Thanks Frank

[Chris Burkard]

I live and boat in South Florida, so I don't have to winterize, but I am technically oriented.

My guess would be to add the anti-freeze to the fresh water tank in the amount specified on the anti-freeze for your tankage. You may have to empty the water from the system first (read the instructions on the anti-freeze - RV, fresh water system, potable water system anti-freeze only!). Then I would think you would have to run each faucet and toilet until the anti-freeze (which is usually pink I believe) runs clean (meaning it is not diluted, but the full concentration color).

Don't forget to run anti-freeze through every faucet, washdown, shower and toilet on board. Some Tiaras even have fresh water washdowns in the anchor locker. Don't miss one or you will have repairs to make to next season.

[tlschneider]

don't forget to open the hot water heater tank.

[RobS]

I bypass the water heater and drain it and leave the drain open. I do not run the pink through the tank. If the tank is heated with pink in it it cooks the pink and a residual odor is left that is quite unpleasant.

When you run the pink through all the faucets catch it and flush it thus using it to winterize the waste lines and tank.

Always start with an empty f.w tank and empty waste tank.

Don't forget about windshield washer sprays, fishbox macerator, sump pump, air conditioning sea water loop, salt water washdown, livewell, etc as equipped..

[jmk]

+1 on no antifreeze in the hot water tank. It takes forever to get it out and is NOT necessary if you drain the hot water heater (assuming it is the Attwood type that has a tank shaped like a cylinder laying on its side, where frozen water at the bottom can expand upward without cracking the tank).

[jmk]

I will add that it is easy to forget the line to the ice maker!

[RobS]

Yes, and the ice maker too. Not present on either my prior boat nor the Tiara I am in contract on but it seems most are.