www.iFourWinns.com

I have a 2003 268 Vista and I am considering doing my own de-winterizing this year and am looking for advice (help). It was professionally winterized in the fall but I am not sure what all was done. I assume the engine, A/C, and water systems were pumped out and filled with anti-freeze, but does anything else get done (bilge pumps, batteries, etc.)? Any link to a good "how too" web site would be great.

I have always de-winterized on my own, but this is my first time with a cruiser. Here's my current plan:

Engines:
1. Ensure the mechanic connected all the hoses he disconnected on my engines.
2. Ensure all sea-cocks/valves for the engines are opened.
3. Start engines up, allow to warm up, check for any leaking

Systems:
1. Open the AC and Generator intake seacocks in forward bilge, inspect for leaks.
2. Start generator, ensure proper operation and no leaks.
3. Start AC, ensure proper operation and no leaks.

Water/Waste:
1. Drain antifreeze from water tanks.
2. Fill water tank with fresh water, drain, repeat a couple times to get out all the anti-freeze.
3. Pump out the waste.

I am sure I am forgetting something, especially considering this is my first de-winterize on this boat. Luckily there will be plenty of other boaters at the marina to answer my questions.

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2005 Vista 288 - That's A Winner

I did mine myself recently, really not that difficult (but I didn't need to do the anti-freeze) Have you thought about looking at the procedure in your owners manual?

http://www.fourwinns.com/upload/Documents/OwnersManuals/2003/248-268-Vista-Manual.pdf

Hope that helps, and good luck!

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Chris and Alicia
Las Vegas, NV
ALTIVA
1996 Four Winns 238 Vista Dlx 5.8Fi

Pretty much what I do.
Make sure to run the engine, on the muffs, up to operating temp so the thermostat opens. This can take some time at idle. Gives you plenty of time to look for leaks and burns off the fogging oil.
I put antifreeze in the water tank and then run through all the faucets until it is gone during winterizing. So there is not a lot to drain in the spring, just fill and flush about five times. Also clean the strainer at the water pump.
I close my toilet intake seacock until the boat is in the water. Then I open and test the toilet plumbing for leaks.

Also if you didn't have it done in the fall, pull your props and grease the splines. Allows you the check for fishing line wrapped around the shafts and the condition of the shaft seal.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

If I was not sure, I would have guy do it BUT watch him and learn. Its a cheap hand on training class.

Dude53, can you tell us more about how your boat is equipped, and where you are located? Also, it would help to know how the shop winterized the boat. Did the shop just drain the engine and drive, or did they change oil, service the engine and drive, fill the engine with antifreeze, etc. Sometimes it is hard to say what someone else did or did not do while winterizing the boat. If there is antifreeze in the engine cooling system you will have to decide how to remove and dispose of it. Make sure you have engine oil and that all cooling system hoses are connected and plugs are closed.
Connect water to muffs on the outdrive and start it. Watch your gages and look for leaks.

If you have air conditioning or a generator, you may either need a special adapter for a water supply, or just wait until you launch the boat to operate these systems.

Make sure the fresh water system is put back together. Some people will disconnect the plumbing to drain the system. Fill the system and run water through all faucets. You may need to remove aerator screens at each faucet and clean them if there is any debris in the water system from sitting over winter. You'll notice faucets are slow or don't flow right if you have clogged screens. Antifreeze in the fresh water system may leave a residual odor or taste. You can neutralize this by 1 or 2 doses of bleach / water through the system. Let each batch of bleach water sit for a while, and then run a dose of vinegar water through the system, fill it with water and go have fun. Whatever you do, DO NOT turn on the water heater until it is full of water! I have heard some people say that they use the cheapest vodka they can find instead of RV antifreeze in the water system. I'm thinking that you can always tell when that boat comes out of storage. Everybody is showing up with jugs of orange juice to help drain the system

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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

+1 on the bleach/water.
I gave me freshwater system a bleach flush when I first got the boat and it worked wonders. Plan to do it again this spring as the hot water was getting a little stinky last season.

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2004 248 Vista "Amante"
MC 5.0MPI/B3

I do this every spring. This is from a 2008 manual. Double check your manual to ensure you can use bleach in your 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

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--2002 3880 Regal Flybridge | Twin Merc 8.1HO **Seven**
--2003 AB 13 VST Console Inflatable | Tohatsu 40hp TLDI **Phish'n ski**
--310 Mercury Inflatable | 1982 9.9 Johnson