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May 06, 2025, 23:32:02 pm

Author Topic: Winterizing Ballast System  (Read 1297 times)

snowrider

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Winterizing Ballast System
« on: November 25, 2006, 19:35:32 pm »
Some time ago Marine Products in Utah winterized and shrink wrapped our Epic for the winter. It is now sitting in the driveway and with temps getting colder I was wondering if I need to be concerned with the Simer Reversible Pumps used in the aftermarket ballast system? I asked MP to winterize the ballast system, which I assume they did. I guess I am just curious what components to be concerned about and for future reference does anyone take the ballast bags and/or more out of the boat for winter in a cold climate? Thanks.

Bitzco

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Re: Winterizing Ballast System
« Reply #1 on: November 27, 2006, 02:30:16 am »
I'm here in Utah and Marine Products has winterized for me for four years. I have the factory ballast in SX. No probs.
03 Pilot, 01 Epic SX, 330 cc bombers and 4 kids in back. Working to retire to a lakeside cottage with my own boat dock.

cyclone

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Re: Winterizing Ballast System
« Reply #2 on: November 27, 2006, 06:20:15 am »
the easiest thing to do is to pour some 50/50 antifreeze down the drain through hull hole(s) on the side of the boat. You might have to pour a gallon or two depending on where the pumps are located.

MP probably did that already, just an FYI for anyone else that wants to do it. The pumps could get a crack in the pump body if there is water trapped in there. I would think that the water would expand down the hose rather than crack the pump, but I have heard of it happening.

I generally take the sacks out, just to let the carpet dry out. My ballast system has a weird configuration so I only need to winterize the drain pumps, and I can do that with the sacks out.
Pete

'01 Epic SX