Your Thru Hull Fittings Suppliers Share Tips to Consider Before Buying Your Next Batch of Anti-Freeze
Raritan Engineering your thru hull fittings professionals would like to share with you this week some great information regarding which anti-freeze could be best for you and your boat.
There’s nothing like buying several $3 bottles of antifreeze to protect your $30,000 boat, then coming home to discover the unused bottles frozen solid in your garage.
The onset of winter always brings queries about the effectiveness of certain anti-freeze concoctions. A couple years back we got a letter from Mark Baldwin, owner of a Seasprite 34, Ella, in Blue Hill, Maine.
It just so happened that when Mark’s query arrived, we were in the middle of testing various antifreeze formulas for their effectiveness.
Uni-Gard pink is listed as having 25- to 35-percent propylene glycol, which should provide the -50-degree burst protection claimed on the bottle.
If, however, there is a lot of water still left in the boat’s plumbing lines, the protection against freezing is diminished, and the anti-freeze can become even less effective through each freeze-and-thaw cycle. Ideally, during the winterizing process, the anti-freeze is flushed through the system to remove standing water from any low spots.
We Discuss How to Identify the Wrong Anti-Freeze For Your Boat
Your thru hull fittings specialists talk about how propylene glycol can harm components in freshwater and wastewater plumbing systems as well, but because ethylene glycol is not a safe choice for potable systems, there are no other antifreeze choices, other than draining the system.
Some sailors have suggested using Vodka as an antifreeze for potable water systems, but this turns out to be an expensive myth, and our tests have thoroughly debunked it. Not only will it burn holes in your pocket, it will turn your tanks and hoses into a fecund biome.
However, the EPA also cited several ways in which glycol can indirectly harm aquatic life by raising oxygen levels, etc. In our view, both formulas need to be used with care on land and near the water, and disposed of properly. Ideally, all glycols should be flushed and purged so that they can be captured for recycling.
Our research into the various anti-freeze additives on the market has produced many interesting findings, among them the correlation between improper winterizing and a stinky water tank.
Finally, here are a few other important tips.
- Never use ethylene glycol, which is highly toxic to humans, in potable water systems. The best practice is to drain the water tanks and lines of all water. When this is not possible, drain the tank and circulate propylene glycol only through the plumbing to ensure all low spots have been purged of water, then leave propylene glycol in plumbing through the winter.
- Never use winterizing propylene glycol in the cooling system of a glycol-cooled engine. Diesel engine coolants are specially designed to prevent corrosion in the cooling system.
- Some antifreeze formulas aimed at the RV market have ethyl alcohol in them that can damage PVC plumbing hoses. Look for products with no ethyl alcohol.
So don’t forget these reminders about finding the right anti-freeze for your boat. 1) Using vodka as a substitute is a myth; 2) Never use winterizing propylene glycol in the cooling system of a glycol-cooled engine; and 3) look for products with no ethyl alcohol.
Leave your boat sitting pretty this winter
Owning a boat can be a great source of pleasure, offering fun in the sun, relaxation and adventure, but it’s not something that comes without responsibilities. Maintenance and regular detailing is critical to prolonging the life of any boat or yacht and, by taking extra measures, you can help ensure that your enjoyment on the water is always maximized.
Comfort inside, sun outside – While a boat brings fun and adventure, having the ability to take a break from the heat and cool off in the cabin is a true luxury. However, if the inside of your boat is just as warm as the deck, you’re likely to have to cut your day on the water short.
Reduce glare, improve safety – Regardless of your boat’s setup, sun glare can be uncomfortable and dangerous – especially for your captain. By having a professional install window tinting, your boat’s windshield will block glare to lessen eye fatigue and improve visibility, even when the sun shines brightest, helping you always remain in control of your vessel.
Block UV rays, prolong the fun – A day on the boat should be just that – an entire day – but without protection, hours spent in the sun can prove harmful. When on the water, having the option to take a brief break and cool off is pivotal and, with window tint, you get that option.
Privacy and protection, even when away – Ensuring privacy and security of your vessel when docked or in storage is important to its longevity. With window tint, your boat and the valuables inside are kept private and the condition of the fixtures and furniture within the cabin stay protected from sun damage.
Having your boat or yacht tinted is not just for style and comfort, it adds extra value to your vessel, too. While it’s a wise decision, marine window tint installation isn’t as cut-and-dry as one might think, and in order to get the ultimate benefits, it’s highly recommended to have a window tinting professional work on your boat.
Click here and see more information about Raritan Engineering and thru hull fittings. We are your #1 expert in marine sanitation supplies.
via The (Cold) Case of the Frozen Antifreeze