Much of your winterizing success will depend on the initial condition of your existing water system. If it is nearly sterile (effectively chlorinated water), there may be too few bacteria and fungus present for infection to start. However, if you use less than 20 percent alcohol or glycol (after dilution with water left in the system) you are at risk of biological growth; the lower the concentration the greater the risk. This is the reason why vodka and other alcohol-based winterizing fluids should be avoided. In our testing these solutions acted like an invitation to a microbial feast.
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Very interesting and informative, but useless in 2021 for most sailors who haul their boats for the winter. Publishing this on Dec 2nd after 98% of boats in the colder climates have been hauled and winterized already shows very poor planning or concern on your part. This article should have been published in late September or early October. I’ll save it for next year.
Ron Canizares