Posts Tagged ‘winterize’

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.

Read More about Winterization of Mercruiser Inboard & Sterndrive Engines

Read More about Winterization of Yamaha 4-stroke Outboards

COMMON PRODUCTS WHEN WINTERIZING YOUR BOAT

MARINE FUEL SYSTEMS SHOP NOW FLAME ARRESTOR SHOP NOW

COOLING SYSTEM SHOP NOW STRENDRIVE & TANSOM SHOP NOW

Not finding what you’re looking for? Need help? Contact us at 1-405-533-3812

QUICK LINKS

Engine Flushing Systems    Motor Flushers    Boat Care Products Lubricants & Engine Additives    Corrosion Protection    Fuel Additives Cleaners & Degreasers    Trailer Accessories

CONNECT WITH US           PERFORMANCE PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIES

TOPIC: Boat/Motor Winterization

QUESTION: I used to own a boat equipped with a Mercury Outboard Motor which made winterization very simple. However I recently purchased a Sea Ray boat that is equipped with a MerCruiser Inboard/Outboard and Alpha Gen 2 Sterndrive. I’m looking to winterize my boat this year for the first time.  Is there a kit available that includes all of the items needed to do this winterization.   

RESPONSE: Below are the parts you need to build our Antifreeze Tank and Pump System. If you have a basic knowledge of 12volt wiring and how to install a simple switch into a circuit you can purchase the components and assemble it yourself.  It is not that difficult to assemble and all of the major components can be purchased from our website.

PARTS LIST:
Tank & Hose- http://tinyurl.com/pph57fb

750 GPH PUMP- http://tinyurl.com/n9mur3n -the pump threads right into the threaded tank cap – cut the excess off after installed

Toggle Switch- http://tinyurl.com/pbcyfdc

Battery Clips- http://tinyurl.com/olalnkz

Fuse Holder- http://tinyurl.com/oha2qrv

5amp ATO/ATC Fuse- http://tinyurl.com/nkcx6pj

Electrical Butt Connectors- http://tinyurl.com/p4y28yx

(2) 16-14 gauge wires [red & black] – Length is determined by if you’re using the battery in the boat [longer] or an auxiliary battery on the ground [shorter] – Obtain Locally

Auxiliary battery or use battery in the boat – Obtain Locally

Here’s the latest installment in our video series on winterizing inboard marine engines and outboard motors. This video provides step by step procedures for winterizing a Mercury Marine 150 Hp 4 stroke outboard motor.

Mercury Marine 150 Hp 4 Stroke Outboard

STORAGE PREPARATION

*The major consideration in preparing your boat for storage is to protect it from rust, corrosion, and damage caused by freezing of trapped water.*

LUBRICANT, SEALANT, ADHESIVES

1. 2-4-C: Used on Battery Terminal Bolts (Link to Part No. 92-802859A1)
2. Storage Seal: Used in Spark Plug Holes (Link to Part No. 92-858081K03)
3. Corrosion Guard: External Metal Surfaces (Link to Part No. 92-802878 55)
4. Fuel System Treatment: Fuel Tank (Link to Part No. 92-8M0047932)

FUEL SYSTEM

1. Pour the required amount of Mercury Fuel System Treatment and Stabilizer into a separate container and mix with 1 quart of gasoline. Pour this mixture into the fuel tank.
2. Run the engine on “muffs” for approximately 10 minutes
3. See Video for Details

PROTECTING INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS – OIL

1. Change the engine oil & filter (Engine oil capacity 6.3 US Quarts)
2. Note: Checking oil level within 5 minutes of engine shutdown can falsely read up to 1 US quart) low. Allow the engine to cool for at least 1 hour before checking the oil level.
3. See Video for Details

PROTECTING INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS – FOGGING

1. Remove the spark plugs
2. Spray approximately 1 fl oz of Mercury Marine Storage Seal rust inhibitor into each spark plug hole
3. Actuate key switch to crank the engine
4. See Video for Details

CHANGE GEARCASE LUBRICANT

1. Right-hand rotation capacity – 26.4 fl oz
2. Left-hand rotation capacity – 18.4 fl oz
3. See Video for Details

You probably paid as much, if not more, for your boat than you did you car, so why wouldn’t you want to do everything you can to protect it?

If you live in an area of the U.S. in which winter is as cold as your freezer, then you’ll definitely want to know everything you can about winterizing your boat so you can to save it from the damage – especially when the optimal time is to do so.

Check the Manual: Yes, you should check the manual that came with your boat because manufacturers often offer tips for winterizing, or even a chapter or two with step-by-step instructions. OK, so now that you’ve read what your manufacturer has to say about the issue, it’s time to get going.

Cracks and structural damage: One thing you must remember is that snow damages fiberglass just as badly as the water does because of the salt content of the deicing substances. If this sprays up onto the fiberglass, it can cause cracking and weaken the structure.

Additionally, allowing snow to accumulate on the hull – or anywhere else for that matter – can cause the fiberglass to crack when the snow expands as it turns to ice. Ensure you have a cover for your boat that won’t tear to prevent these issues.

Barnacle patrol: Remove all barnacles that may have accumulated and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you may be able to make a nice soup with them, depending on which body of water in which you go boating. If not, then move on to washing the outside well using a pressure washer.

Check for blistering: Open the blisters with something sharp, as you would a blister on your hand, and then let it dry. Use an epoxy filler to fill the blisters and cracks. If you don’t have a fiberglass hull and body, then you might be able to get away with pulling the dents with a mallet.

After ensuring you know what you’re supposed to do according to the boat manufacturer, and after you’ve read and done the steps here, you’ll want to do one more thing before closing it up for the winter. You’ll want to take it to the dealer for any maintenance needed that you cannot handle yourself before the winter.

If you wait until you’re getting ready to get your boat into the water come springtime, then you’ll likely have a longer wait to get it back, and maybe even have caused more issues by allowing it to sit all winter without the help it needed.

The most important thing you need to know about winterizing is that the job is not only about adding some chemicals to the engine to stop it from freezing. It is not just about throwing a tarp over it to keep it safe from the elements. What it is about is preparing the boat to stand the cold, ensure it isn’t damaged, and that it lasts a lifetime.

Winterizing a boat is a process, and one, which – if not done properly – could cost you the boat.