November 2012 - Gemini Gems

Winterizing a Gemini
Time is flying by and now cooler weather is at our door step and
it is almost time to winterize. Here are a few winterizing procedures
to follow:
Pump out the holding tanks and pour in deodorizer.
To winterize the water system and engine you will need approximately
12 gallons of antifreeze.
By: Amanda Kalb & Steve Pitman
Turn the seacock to the closed position
Head:
Set the valve for fresh water flush
Run 2 sinks work of antifreeze through the head
Engine:
Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank
In the port aft cabin;
Drain the water heater
Leave the drain valve open
With a magic marker, mark the appropriate hose “in” and
“out”
Disconnect hoses and insert a fitting to connect the hoses
together
Open the inspection port on port water tank
Tilt the aft end of water to tank to assist in draining
Pour 1 gallon of antifreeze in the water tank
Turn on the water pressure pump
Once the full gallon is pumped through, replace the inspection
port
In the starboard aft cabin:
Repeat the above water tank directions adding 6 gallons of
antifreeze. Add more as needed.
Open each valve for the galley sink, head sink, and head
shower
One at a time leave them running until the water is gone
and antifreeze is coming out
Follow the same procedure if you have a transom shower
Air Conditioning:
Flip the seacock to fresh water flush and leave running until
antifreeze is coming out.
Run engine long enough to allow the stabilizer to run
through the engine
The following is best performed with a helper.
In the starboard aft cabin;
Hook hose to fresh water side of seacock
Pour in 2 gallons of antifreeze into a bucket
Set seacock to fresh water flush
Run engine until pink is coming out of the exhaust
Tilt cushions up to avoid moisture and mildew.
Open cabinet doors.
Remove personal belongings to avoid mildew damage.
Ensure bilges are dry.
Turn seacocks to the closed position.
Place NO DAMP buckets through the cabin.
Remove or secure the sails.
Say Goodnight for the long winter slumber.
If you are keeping your boat in the water, it is recommend to
check on your boat throughout the winter. Whether or not it is
in the water or on the hard it is important to monitor the snow
and ice accumulation. Snow and ice add a large amount of
weight to your boat which is a hazard if it is in the water or on
the hard.
Email service@geminicatamarans.com if you have questions or
concerns on winterizing your Gemini.
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