Winterizing Houseboat Part 3

Another important part of winterizing your houseboat is to drain all the inside water lines and the water holding tank. After the lines are clear of water you will need to pour environmentally safe anitfreeze into the water holding tank and turn on all the faucets and run them until the antifreeze starts to flow out the faucet then shut it off. The amount of anifreeze you will need will depend on the number of bathrooms, sinks, and other water sources. Be sure to do the toilet(s) too. It is critically important this is done because if there is any water left in the lines or faucets it will freeze and the ice will expand destroying the lines and faucets. Also make sure you pump out the septic holding tank and add a gallon of environmentally safe antifreeze to the tank. Make sure that the water heater( if available) is also drained of all water.
We like to go through the entire boat and unplug all electrical appliances and any chords we might be using. We also like to cover all the furniture with old bed sheets to ward off dust and any possible moisture.
Now we will return to the engine compartment and remove all the batteries and bring them home and connect them to an automatic battery charger, rotating periodically. Be sure not to put the batteries on concrete it will drain them faster, so put them an a piece of wood or on a shelf.
To finish we will power wash the bottom of the boat removing any scum that has developed and any zebra mussels that might be attached to the hull and the motors. Some boat owners like to tarp the entire boat to keep the snow off or you can call a boat service dealer in your area and ask them to shrink wrap your boat. In the La Crosse,WI area American Marine offers this service for on average $4.00 a foot in length. Check with your local dealer for prices in your area.Continue to follow Houseboating Excursions in the Mississippi River Valley as we explore more cruise stops, events and provide more information.