www.iFourWinns.com

I've had the boat out a few times so far but have not taken the time to flush the anti-freeze from the fresh water tank.
What is the proper method of draining the fresh water tank? I see the directions in the manual for cleaning the tank but they don't specify how you drain it. Do you simply unscrew the plug at the bottom of the tank and let it drain out inside the boat? Or do you just turn on the water pump and run water through the sink until it is empty?

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2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon
2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4

Assuming you've used environmentally friendly anti-freeze, I'd test your bilge pumps and empty it inside the boat.
Pour some bilge cleaner in there first and kill 2 birds with one stone!

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2011 Four Winns H180 SS.
Aussie built Mustang 2800.
SOLD - 1997 Four Winns Horizon RS

You may or may not have a drain plug. Often a tank can be drained by disconnecting the supply line from the tank to the pressure pump or the rest of the system. You might see how easily you can re-capture the antifreeze. It may be possible to re-use some of it, or dispose of according to local ordinances. Some cities say to dispose of antifreeze by pouring it down a sink drain in the house. Most pressure pumps have a strainer on the inlet side. This might be a good time to disconnect the supply line, remove the strainer, and clean the screen. When you get everything drained as well as you can, you can either flush the tank with some fresh water or just reconnect everything and start filling the system and flush it well.

My 2002 Four Winns 268 Vista Owner's Manual has the following recommendation:
The water system should be disinfected before first use and at the beginning of each season. The following information is a general guide to disinfecting the fresh water system.
1. Flush the boat’s water system thoroughly with fresh water. Make sure all nontoxic antifreeze is removed from the system.
2. The water system should be drained completely.
3. To disinfect the water system, use one gallon of water and 1/4 cup of Clorox or Purex household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite solution). This is recommended for each 15 gallons of tank capacity.
4. Allow to stand for three (3) hours. If time is a factor, greater concentrations of chlorine solution will be needed to disinfect the water system.
5. Drain the system.
6. Flush the system thoroughly with fresh water.
7. Fill the system with fresh water.
To remove excessive chlorine taste or odor which might remain in the system, prepare a solution of one quart vinegar to five gallons water and allow this solution to agitate in the tank for several days during boating. Then drain tank and refill with fresh water.

Hope this helps. Gary

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon

I don't think you have a drain plug, at least that's easily accessible. I've always just filled it partway and run it through the sink. Repeat several times until the water coming out is clear. The only AF that should ever go into your water tank or head is the non-toxic pink stuff. If they put green AF in your water tank you'll have a big cleanup job to do.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

The tank does have a drain that is pretty easy to access, you just have to remove the panel under the starboard seat storage that holds the sun lounge supports. Just a few screws and it comes out with to give access to the tank and drain.

Boat was winterized with the proper non-toxic pink stuff.

I appreciate all of the information!

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2005 Four Winns 230 Horizon
2014 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4

OK, I never felt like removing panels. If it were me I still think I'd want to get most of it out through the sink and not into the bilge. But that might be me.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic