We’ve been wanting to post about this for a couple of years now, but somehow it just kept getting swept under the rug. Not that you should ever take our advise for winterizing your boat, and especially not for your engines and generator, but check this out:
Winter is coming, and with it, the dreaded task of winterizing your boat’s fresh water system. You’ve probably been taught to reach for that neon pink antifreeze that promises to keep your pipes from bursting. But hear us out: what if you swapped it for vodka? Before you dismiss this as the fever dream of a boater who’s had one too many margaritas, consider this—vodka freezes at -16°F, which is plenty good for most climates. Plus, the worst-case scenario in spring is that you end up with slightly spiked water. It’s not a failure; it’s an upgrade.
Let’s talk dollars and cents. A gallon of the pink stuff from West Marine will set you back about $6.99 to $7.99, depending on sales and your proximity to a marina filled with gouged wallets. Meanwhile, a 1.75-liter bottle of Skol vodka—a refined spirit that is only slightly less drinkable than rubbing alcohol—costs a mere $11.99. You’ll need just under two bottles of vodka to match the volume of a gallon of antifreeze, meaning vodka comes out a little pricier. But let’s face it: you’re not paying for antifreeze versatility, while vodka doubles as a winterization tool and a party starter.
The best part? De-winterizing your boat in the spring is infinitely less frustrating. That pink antifreeze requires meticulous flushing unless you want your drinking water tasting like a science experiment gone wrong. Vodka, on the other hand, leaves you with a fresh water system that’s possibly pre-infused for happy hour. Forget the panic over leftover chemical residue; the only side effect here is that your boat just became the coolest (literally) floating bar on the marina. So next winter, skip the pink and stock up on Skol—it’s cheaper than regret and tastier than a plumbing disaster.
Shower thoughts!
Disclaimer: Shift Pete is NOT a boat mechanic, and you probably shouldn’t listen to a word he says.