I break the line loose prior to the pump and strainer and let the pump draw the anti freeze and push through the system. Definitely close the sea-cock prior to doing this.

We always pour anti freeze down the line to the thru-hull. Use a funnel and open the thru-hull and let the anti freeze run down and out as you close the valve. Make sure that funnel is well above the water line. You may need to add a short length of hose.

Robert,
It took me a few reads to figure out what you were talking about when you said fan de-icer. I'm guessing you have an electric motor attached to a small propeller? If so, most installs I've seen suspend the motor, prop facing up, at a point a few feet below the keel, roughly amidships. I think it would be less effective if it is sitting in the mud. The idea is that the prop circulates warmer bottom water upwards towards the hull, and you want as much of the hull covered. Hope this makes sense.

When I described pouring anti-freeze down the line to the thru-hill, I forgot to say that this was in addition to letting the unit suck anti-freeze until it was pumping nothing but pink out of the discharge. The heat exchanger coils must be filled with anti-freeze.

[QUOTE=rtrinkle;15504]Yes, that is exactly what I am talking about. Not sure if I will need it, but if its a bad winter in mid Chesapeake, I might use it.

Thanks for the info.[/QUOTE]

I don't think you need a deicer down there. I never saw any ice in our 5 seasons at Stingray Point and never saw anyone run a deicer.

We've now moved further north and have seen a few boats use deicers. At our previous marina our slip was quite a distance from shore and the ice never got that far out. Our current slip is much closer to shore so, we'll be hauling out for sure this year.