Please ease my concern

I'm a rookie when it comes to engines so I'm hoping somebody can ease my concern. My paranoia comes from my father-in-law's cracked block two summers ago. I had my boat (1997 Ski Nautique) winterized in November and the mechanic filled the block with 50/50 antifreeze and water. I opened the engine cover today just to check around and I was a little surprised to see some water pooling up around the drain in the bilge. Not enough to flow over the lip of the drain yet (almost), but I know it was completely dry when I put it away for the winter. Is this something to be concerned about? Could it be condensation? Is seems dry in there. I have this fear that the block has a little crack in it and water is leaking out. The boat is covered (carport and cover) and dry, except for a little concensation on the seats and pylon. Thanks for your input.

I wouldn't worry to much,
I'd bet on condensation &/or water that was still left in the carpet or caught up front/in the back of the bilge.
Like BKH said, I'd put in one of the condensation traps near the drain to help prevent mildew.
Come on Spring!!

A light bulb will keep it a few degrees warmer in the boat than the ambient temp, so no condensation. (condensation will form when the interior surfaces and parts are cooler than the warmer air in and around the boat, condensing the moisture out of it.)

Make sure everything was drained first, then the antifreeze added. If they just poured antifreeze in without draining, its possible to split something. On the positive note, I hope it isnt, and the water is from the hull. Look at the freeze plugs and see if any look like they are pushed out. You can usually tell this by the paint line on them. If all look OK, the block is prob Ok. Good luck!!

   Jbear, I dont know whats going on. No replies after a week. They must be tied up or something.

Ryan S.,
I seriously doubt you have a cracked block

Jeff - I think my diary post took 10 days or 2 weeks to show up. ...We're looking forward to seeing it.

My70/81,
Nice post........Who doesn't want to be a little more friendly to the environment? Especially, with little skiers and dogs running around.

Hey Ryan-
I am sure that you won't have any problem with a cracked block. I bet you are right in saying that it is probably just some condensation accumulation (especially if you have a vinyl--like boat cover that holds in the moisture), and probably could be solved with some Dry-Z-Air crystals under your hood.

ALSO, I wouldn't reccommend the light bulb trick. I had a patient who did just that, light bulb cracked and he BURNED his boat right down to the trailer.   If you are super concerned, and cheap insurance, I have used a magnetic block heater before (just clips right on the block or oil pan, and radiates about 175W) and you can get them at AutoZone, CarQuest, or the like. When I had the boat outside, I used the block warmer, and it worked like a champ, and only runs about $35.

Best of luck, and I hear congrats is in order for you and Lori too!

Todd

J_I_H; Must be an "age" thing. Thats the same way I do mine execpt I switch off of the Beam and Diet Coke. Gotta love FLA!

john