Propylene Glycol is a Safer Choice
The chemical in antifreeze that resists freezing is either ethylene glycol (EG) or propylene glycol (PG). Ethylene glycol makes a good antifreeze/coolant, but it’s a poison that’s deadly to pets and wildlife and makes disposal problematic. Propylene glycol is odorless, tasteless, biodegradable, and nontoxic. While it is slightly more expensive to produce, it offers a combination of safety and effectiveness we feel makes it a superior choice for marine use. We'll walk you through other considerations to help you make the right choice for your boat.
Antifreeze Applications
The main applications for antifreeze include winterization of potable water systems, sanitation systems, cooling systems, non-running boat engines and air conditioners. In addition to providing protection against freeze damage, some antifreeze can also be used as a coolant for running engines.
- For winter layup of engines and to protect potable (drinking) water systems from freeze damage, non-toxic West Marine Engine and Water System Antifreeze is ideal. We offer this antifreeze with a choice of a -50°F, -60°F or -100°F temperature rating to meet the needs of the coldest of climates. Since this antifreeze does not include the additive package required for use as engine coolant, it should not be used for running engines.
- West Marine Engine Antifreeze and Coolant contains an additive package that prevents corrosion and antifreeze breakdown at high operating temperatures. This enables it to be used for freeze protection during the winter and as engine coolant in the summer. Due to the additives it contains, it should not be used for winterization of potable water systems. You can find it in the Engine section of this site.
Freeze Versus Burst Protection
The temperature ratings (-50°F, -60°F, -100°F, etc.) that we associate with our antifreeze products denote the “burst point”, which is the temperature at which a sealed copper pipe filled with the undiluted product will burst. Burst points are a standard created by the plumbing industry in the 1930s to indicate the relative strength of antifreeze.
The freeze point is the temperature at which ice crystals (slush) will begin to form in the undiluted product. Slushing is not injurious to engine or potable water systems.
For an expanded discussion of freeze points vs burst points, and more about West Marine Antifreeze, click on the link at the bottom of this article.
Conclusion
No matter what type of antifreeze you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s dilution ratio instructions carefully. When buying antifreeze, you are mostly paying for ethylene or propylene glycol, the proportion of which can vary from 25 to 95 percent. That’s why lower temperature rated products are more expensive. Products that advertise protection to -50°F may require that you use the product full strength, while other products can be diluted with water at a 3:1 ratio and provide the same -50°F protection. Shop carefully and remember that cheapest isn’t always the best value!
Selection Chart for West Marine and Star brite Antifreeze
| Antifreeze | Burst Rating | Freeze Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Star brite Wintersafe -50 | -50°F | +14° to +18°F |
| West Marine -50 | -50°F | +12° to +16°F |
| West Marine -60 | -60°F | +7° to +10°F |
| West Marine -100 | -100°F | -48° to -50°F |
| Star brite -200 | -200°F | -98° to -103°F |