Prevent Winter Damage

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With the passing of the recent Labor Day holiday, many of us are faced with the ominous task of preparing our boats to be laid up for the winter. Winter can be harsh on a boat, and if you want to get out on the water next spring without any unwelcome surprises, it’s important to store it properly.

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WINTERIZE YOUR BOAT ENGINE

Fill the fuel tank with fresh non-ethanol gasoline. Add a sufficient amount of gasoline stabilizer which is specified for marine engines and then run the engine sufficiently to bring it up to normal operating temperature while allowing the treated/stabilized fuel to circulate through fuel system.

LUBRICATION

Change oil and oil filter. Lubricate all items like Throttle and Shift Cables, Steering, Coupler, U-Joints, Transom, Gimbal, Propeller Shaft, etc.

MARINE COOLING SYSTEMS

Flush the cooling system. Refer to each manufacturers specific flushing procedure as indicated in the owners manual. Drain seawater section of cooling system, as specified in the owners manual.

FLAME ARRESTOR

Clean flame arrestor and vent hoses.

GENERAL ITEMS

Service the batteries as required by the manufacturer of the battery. Wash/Clean the outside of engine and allow to dry. Repaint any areas where bare metal is exposed, and allow to dry. Completely cover/spray the engine with some type of corrosion inhibitor or wipe down with SAE 20W engine oil or spray with WD-40.

STERNDRIVE AND TRANSOM

Inspect U-joint bellows for cracks or weathering.
Check the bellow hose clamps to ensure they are tight.
Check engine alignment.
Change sterndrive unit oil.
Make sure the Sterndrive is in the DOWN position. This is required not only for draining of the unit but also to ensure that the bellows do not take a set which can lead to pre-mature failure when returned to service.
Use a piece of wire to check that water drain holes in sterndrive unit are open and allowing drainage.
Clean sterndrive exterior surfaces and repaint any bare metal surfaces.
Cover the entire sterndrive with some type of corrosion inhibitor.

COMMON PRODUCTS WHEN WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT