Dagnabbit -- I should've been paying attention the weather!

Mike...

I've had so busy lately, that I failed to notice that there was a snow storm coming. And it's going to get down to freezing tonight and all day tomorrow.

So, I went out to the TomCat to drain the bilge and fish boxes, which already have a thin layer of ice in them.

The bilge drained fine, and the port fish box drained except for that thin layer of ice. But, the starboard fishbox pump would not come on. The light on the switch did not come on either. So, I am guessing that the fuse blew.

Would one of you TomCat owners tell me where the fuse is for the starboard fishbox macerator? And what kind of fuse it is?

Here's the bad thing:

As I said, I was not expecting this weather. Unfortunately, I have no marine antifreeze on hand. I can pick up some tomorrow, but the water in those lines will likely be frozen by then.

How bad is this likely to be? Is there anything I can do at this point to mitigate any damage from freezing?

I really hate those damn fishboxes!
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a very unhappy mike

Tom Little · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:04 pm Post subject:

My fuses are located in the electrical panel behind the steering wheel. These auto style fuses are easy to see and easy to replace. Mine are marked as to their purpose. Sorry I can't get to the boat tonight to figure which fuse handles the pump circuit.

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:08 pm Post subject:

Hello Tom,

I looked there and didn't see one for the fish box macerators.
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mike

marvin4239 · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:35 pm Post subject:

If you have power to the boat you could at least put a portable heater in the pilot house. Of course that wouldn't help the cockpit. Maybe a lightbulb in the starboard fish box? Good Luck.

mjsiega · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject:

Maybe try mixing some windshield washer fluid in the lines before they have a chance to freeze?

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:42 pm Post subject:

Hello Marvin,

I think I am ok in the house. Those water lines were drained and antifreezed before the boat was delivered to me. And, the dehumidifier does put out some heat.

The starboard fishbox is 3/4 full of water. Not sure how I would get a bulb in there without leaving it open.
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mike

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:17 pm Post subject:

The fishbox fuses should be on the transom inside the hatches on the inner transom. They might be under the seat lid with the batteries, but more likely are mounted in individual waterproof fuse holders on the transom. The fuses for the bilge pumps are here as well.

If water in the pump has frozen that could cause the fuse to blow.

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 8:42 pm Post subject:

Hello Matt,

I'll see if I can find that fuse in the daylight tomorrow.

You may be right that it blew when I activated it, but the LED on the switch never came on, not even for an instant. Still, it's the logical conclusion. I know the pump worked a week or so ago.
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mike

marvin4239 · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:04 pm Post subject:

I think I'd try to siphon the water out and put a heat gun or hair dryer on the pump maybe it you get enough water out put a heater in it. I wouldn't use auto antifreeze it's pretty toxic maybe alcohol?

on edit be very careful what ever electrical device you might use.

Papillon · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:30 pm Post subject:

If it were mine...I would put an electric heater 1300-1500w in the cockpit, crack open the fish boxes...and then put a tarp over the cockpit and secure it . It should hold enough heat to keep any hard freezing form occurring.

PS:...I would move further south at the first opportunity...afterward.

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 10:59 pm Post subject:

Well, we have had about 4 inches of snow so far. The weather report says up to a foot tonight, with more snow tomorrow. What a fluke storm. We normally don't get this kind of snow here, or so the old timers tell me.

So, I am wondering what is the worst-case scenario I am facing.

If the hose splits between the fish box and the macerator how hard will that be to replace?

The big concern I have is the box itself. Above I wrote that it was 3/4 full. My wife says it was closer to half (I hope she is right). I am concerned about the water in the box icing up and cracking or busting the box. Any thoughts on this?
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A very worried mike

Mike... · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:11 pm Post subject:

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject:

My fuses are in the battery compartment under the middle cockpit seat. Start the one that runs and pull the fuses until it quits. Then find one that looks like it. The wires run directly to the batteries. Good luck. I have the same problems... My boat is on a lift.

6inches here in the lower Potomac...

Charlie

Captains Cat · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:14 pm Post subject:

My fuses are in the battery compartment under the middle cockpit seat. Start the one that runs and pull the fuses until it quits. Then find one that looks like it. The wires run directly to the batteries. Good luck. I have the same problems... My boat is on a lift.

6 inches here in the lower Potomac... Snow that is, I wish... Embarassed

BTW, don't forget to put a gallon down the shower drain and wait until the drain pump pumps out pink into the river...
also, open the water heater drain and let thet 6 gal box drain...do this before you put the stuff into the shower drain.

Charlie