[C320-list] easy way to winterize the raw water and conform toABYC code?

[Chris Descher]

I think that I've got something like what you're describing.  It's a brass T
valve installed between the through hull and the engine.  In one position,
it lets raw water pass through.  In the other position I can feed
antifreeze.  When I want to winterize,  I take a couple of gallon jugs of
antifreeze to the aft cabin.  Then I put one end of a 6' section of vinyl
tube on the empty hose barb of the T valve and the other end of the hose
goes in the antifreeze jug.  I start the engine, turn the T valve to the
antifreeze position, and by the time I've run two gallons of antifreeze
through, it's done.  I can assemble, winterize, and disassemble in well
under five minutes.  This allows me to easily use the boat throughout the
winter with minimal hassle.  I don't know about ABYC code, but it works.

Chris Descher
#500

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com]On Behalf Of Alan
Goodman
Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 3:26 PM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] easy way to winterwise the raw water and conform
toABYC code?




I recently was looking through the Forespar catalog
(http://www.forespar.com/pdf/M20-marelon-plumbing-product-chart.pdf) for
head vent parts, and while doing so a thought occurred to me.  I have been
seeking a permanent way to provide easy addition of antifreeze to flush the
raw water side of the engine.  I looked at adding a Prestone radiator flush
kit into the water supply hose after the raw water intake seacock, but I was
concerned about (i) inability to properly double clamp the hose as per ABYC
standards for below water line fittings, (ii) whether it was wise to trust a
screw on type cap to seal the flush kit (leaks or failure would be very bad
!!), (iii) would I pass a marine survey when I sell the boat in the future
or (iv) would I jepordize my insurance coverage in the event the
'non-marine' part failed and flooded the boat.  A standard Forespar 'Y
valve' (such as part number 902001 MF 853 found at
http://www.forespar.com/pdf/M20-marelon-plumbing-product-chart.pdf) would
provide a two source supply to the raw water system and meet all ABYC
requirements.  One leg provides fresh water from the thru-hull and the other
leg of the Y valve allows the antifreeze supply line to be directly plumbed
into the raw water system.  Which supply stream (either raw water or
anti-freeze) proceeds through the strainer and into the engine block is
controlled by appropriate positioning of the Y valve handle.  Thoughts?
Alan Hull 67 Holland MI