12/31/2023 0 Comments Winterizing an inboard boat motorIf that is present, chances are you have a problem with your seals, it's best to consult a marine mechanic with this problem. This will prevent moisture from adhering to parts and doing harm.ĭrain the lower unit of oil, keeping a close eye out for a cloudy or milky appearance. Make sure to gap them correctly when installing.Ĭoat the entire engine body with a silicone anti-corrosion spray. I prefer to keep the old plugs in during the winter and replace with new ones come spring. Moisture from adhering to parts and doingĬheck spark plugs for wear and tear. The flywheel (see owner's manual) should be spun a few times by hand in order to distribute the oil evenly. This oil will cover everything inside the motor, which decreases the chances of moisture occurring.įour stroke engines should have the spark plugs removed and the fogging agent applied to the cylinder walls, spark plugs and pistons. With the engine running, spray a fogging agent through the carburetors until smoke is visible from the exhaust and the motor kills. This will ensure that adequate fuel stabilizer will get through the entire system. While the water is running, start engine and allow it to idle for 15 minutes. Bass Pro Shops Motor FlusherĪttach a motor flusher to your garden hose and slide it over the water intake vents on the lower unit of the motor. Check hoses, bulbs and connectors and replace if leaks or deterioration is present.Ĭhange the fuel filter and water separator add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to ensure that the gas will be fresh come spring. The first step is to fill up all gas tanks, which will eliminate moisture build-up over the winter months. Winterizing an outboard boat engine involves a few steps, but once learned, they aren't all that complicated. Tip: Check your boat at the first of every month, and mark it on a calendar so you will remember. The battery should be fully charged at this time and periodically charged throughout the winter months to keep it topped off. Check water levels and fill up if necessary. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and a baking soda and water mixture, and then apply some petroleum jelly or grease to the terminals once they're dry. Check for holes and worn or broken parts. With your equipment out of the boat, an inventory can be completed over the winter months to identify those items needing to be replaced or fixed. I like to toss a handful of mothballs under the cover and into compartments to further deter pesky rodents. Emptying the boat will prevent items from getting wet and ruined, while also reducing the chances of animals building nests. Electronics, such as fish finders and trolling motors, should be stored inside. Remove all items from your boat, including boat seats, electronics, life jackets and vests and fishing equipment. Doing so will allow any water to trickle out, alleviating concerns about freezing liquid, which can crack the hull of your boat when the temperature plummets. (Please see my feature guide, " Cleaning Your Boat from Top to Bottom," for helpful tips and tricks.)įirst, remove the drain plug, and then raise the bow of the boat higher than the stern. This will remove the entire season's dirt, and will leave the boat sparkling clean when the cover is removed come spring. Take your time, double check your work and keep a checklist handy to mark off each job as it is completed.īefore getting into the nitty-gritty, give your boat, trailer and engine a good and thorough cleaning. Winterizing your boat follows a few simple rules that, for the most part, aren't too difficult. It also protects your engine from gum, varnish, rust, and corrosion, and prolongs the life of any engine This fuel storage stabilizer removes water to prevent corrosion, and cleanses carburetors and fuel injectors. Tip: A good fuel-stabilize r is STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer. If you don't feel confident with do-it-yourself tasks, please leave the process to a professional marine mechanic. Each may have some specific recommendations. It is recommended that you consult your owner's manual for both boat and motor before beginning any winterization measures. Preserve it throughout the winter months. Starting the Process of Winterizing Your Boat, Trailer & Motor Add fuel-stabilizer to your gas tanks to Although the task does take some know-how and effort, the end result - a boat that starts come spring - is most certainly worth it. Winterizing your boat is a necessary step to protect your investment while in deep freeze it's also a good way to ensure that your boat is running in tip-top shape once the season resumes. As the days grow shorter and winter's chill begins to take hold, the sad task of preparing the boat for its yearly hibernation has once again arrived.
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