[C320-list] dreaded winterization

[Warren Updike]

Scott, I bought a bypass package at our marina store for about $25. It
consists of two bypass valves and a bypass hose. The valves have two
threaded connections, one for the water hoses and one for the bypass hose.
The valves are brass and are screwed into the water heater to replace
whatever is there. The hot and cold water hoses attach to these. The bypass
hose is attached between the valves. When you turn the valves off, the water
is directed through the bypass hose as though the water heater isn't there.

I have to remove the galley cabinet to winterize; but, the bypass makes it
easier to treat the water heater separately from the rest of the system. You
may choose to use antifreeze in the water heater and blow-dry the rest of
the water lines.

I should say I was prompted to do this installation because of water leaks
from the water heater connections. They were plastic (nylon) fittings and
they don't hold up well especially when heated.  

I must admit this was one of the most difficult installs I've done on the
boat. There is not much space at all. I had to buy a longer bypass hose to
go over the top of the water heater because of a lack of lateral space
between the heater and the galley cabinet. Well, it does all fit, after
about 5 trips to the hardware store. I ended up purchasing one of every
fitting I thought I might need, and returning what I didn't use.

When I winterize this year, I'll try to remember to take some pictures of
the heater bypass for the group.

Warren & Pattie Updike
Catalina 320, #62, "Warr De Mar"
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay



-----Original Message-----
From: Scott Thompson [mailto:surprise at thompson87.com] 
Sent: Sunday, August 30, 2009 12:36 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] dreaded winterization

Could someone please explain to me what the "bypass" is and how it would 
be used?

Scott Thompson
Surprise, 653

BAdams3491 at aol.com wrote:
> You can get to the water heater by removing the three drawers under  the 
> sink and the frame work that holds them by removing the six screws...easy

> job.  You can make a bypass, or put one in, I put one in this spring.
Then I 
> pump both tanks dry.  I then use the pink stuff by removing the hose  that

> comes off the forward tank, attach an extra piece of hose on it, then  put

> the end in a gallon of the pink stuff.  Turn on the pump, then each
faucet 
> (don't forget the transom shower), one at a time, until it flows  pink.
Done 
> deal.
>  
> Bert
> At Ease
> #442
>  
>  
> In a message dated 8/27/2009 3:33:05 P.M. Central Daylight Time,  
> wflowe3 at netscape.net writes:
> 
> Although  I hate the thought of it, fall is coming and with it will be my 
> first 320  winterization. On my last boat, a Beneteau 281, I was able to 
> disconnect and  bypass the water heater and use a small compressor at the
fresh 
> water pump to  blow out the fresh water lines to the galley and head.? I 
> never used the pink  stuff in my fresh water system. On my? 2008 320 (hull

> 1146) the water heater  is under the counter by the galley sink and I can
only 
> get to the hot water  "out" hose so I'm not sure I can bypass the water 
> heater. If I cannot, all the  air from my compressor will be lost in the
water 
> heater and I won't get the  lines empty. Does anyone else winterize
without 
> the pink stuff and if so,  how?
> 
> Any winterization tips for all systems will be  appreciated.
> 
> 

-- 
Scott Thompson
Surprise, #653