Frank Langer
1984 Ericson 30+, Nanaimo, BC
Many of us in the Pacific Northwest are in a bit of a deep freeze while our boats are still in the water. Can't believe I was sailing two weeks ago, and now she's covered with snow!
As I sail year round, I don't winterize the engine and plumbing. Air temperatures are dropping to minus 6 at night. The water temp is about 6 degrees celsius, 43 degrees Fahrenheit, which warms the hull somewhat. I have two of those caframo stor dry silver fans for ventilation and they put off some warmth, and I have a small ceramic heater with a thermostat to add some heat from time to time.
My question: I know that salt water has a lower freeze temp than fresh water, about - 2 degrees. At colder temps the raw water in the engine will begin to freeze, but at what temps does the engine freeze so solid that it risks cracking the block or causing similar serious damage?
Thanks, Frank
As I sail year round, I don't winterize the engine and plumbing. Air temperatures are dropping to minus 6 at night. The water temp is about 6 degrees celsius, 43 degrees Fahrenheit, which warms the hull somewhat. I have two of those caframo stor dry silver fans for ventilation and they put off some warmth, and I have a small ceramic heater with a thermostat to add some heat from time to time.
My question: I know that salt water has a lower freeze temp than fresh water, about - 2 degrees. At colder temps the raw water in the engine will begin to freeze, but at what temps does the engine freeze so solid that it risks cracking the block or causing similar serious damage?
Thanks, Frank