Change water seperator for winterizing? Big screw?

[Race2thecheckers]

We purchased a '98 Pre 2100WT in June and it's been a great boat this summer. Since we're new to winterizing this particular boat we want to know if we should change out the water seperator. We live in No. Nevada and we get some freezing weather for weeks at a time so we want to cover all of the things that might need changed. I've read the forums and picked up valuable tips but can't find information on that. (Might have missed it in all the pages though!)

Another question that is not related to winterization. (at least I do not think it is) What does the big "t" looking screw that is mounted just forward of the engine do? It is mounted slightly forward of where the ski pylon would come through the floor and appears to screw into the bottom of the boat. It looks like it would be a drain to a level that is lower than the sub-floor of the engine compartment. Is there a space between the bottom of the boat and engine compartment flooring? Can water get in this area?

I'd remove it but it looks like it has never been removed and I do not want to mess up a good sealing bolt/screw if I do not need to. Currently the boat never seems to get much water in it (unless we put it there ) Bilge never spits out water and pulling the plug produces very little drainage.

I've searched the posts/threads but cannot locate this mystery item.

Thanks in advance for your help and advice.

[giers]

I cannot answer the first question but fear not other will chime in shortly to help you out. As for the other t-handle you are talking about if it is like my 2002 20i it is another drain plug the takes care of the water at the lowest part of the hull. It should be made out of brass that tightens into a brass threaded drain hole.

[AdaminMN]

I do dump my fuel seperator when winterizing.

The "T" handle is another drain plug. It is the lowest point on the boat when the boat/trailer is level.