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Getting the Right Antifreeze Mix for Your Boat

Nov. 1 2022 Ownership Tips By Chatlee Boat & Marine

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When the weather gets colder, one of your most important responsibilities as a boat owner is to properly winterize your vessel by making sure it has the right mix of antifreeze. But with so many different types and brands of antifreeze on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your boat. In this guide, we help you understand the different types of antifreeze and how to find the right mix for your boat.

Types of Antifreeze

There are two main types of antifreeze – ethylene glycol and propylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is the most commonly used antifreeze and is available in concentrated and pre-diluted forms. It’s important to note that you should never mix different types of antifreeze, so if you have ethylene glycol in your system, you should only add more ethylene glycol and shouldn’t use propylene glycol.

The Right Mix

The next thing to consider is the concentration level. Concentrated antifreeze typically comes in 50/50 or 60/40 mixes, which means it contains 50% or 60% water, respectively. Pre-diluted antifreeze is already mixed with water and is ready to use. This type of antifreeze usually comes in a 50/50 mix. In general, boat owners should use a 50/50 mix of concentrated antifreeze, however, if you live in an area with extremely cold winters, you may want to use a 60/40 mix.

Adding the Antifreeze

Once you’ve determined the type and concentration of antifreeze you need, it’s time to add it to your boat. The best way to do this is to use a funnel and pour the antifreeze directly into the cooling system fill neck. If your boat has an engine-driven circulating pump, you can start the engine and let it run for a while. This will help circulate the antifreeze through the entire system. If your boat doesn’t have a circulating pump, you’ll need to manually circulate the antifreeze by hand-cranking the raw water intake valve.

If you need assistance choosing the correct antifreeze mix for your boat, feel free to contact us at Chatlee Boat & Marine in Sanford, NC. We welcome all those in Raleigh and Greensboro.