Boat Winterization and Pre-Season Preparation Services

When outboard engines are left tilted in the down position, they must be drained of all water to prevent condensation. To avoid this problem and ensure your engine stays dry while not being covered or enclosed under something heavy like a tarp will also help with ventilation.

• You’ll want to protect the engine’s internals from corrosion as it sits by giving its interior some assistance.
• Outboards used to be fueled by fogging oil, but this is no longer the case. Modern outboard engines are now typically “fogged” through a much easier process than before, which makes them perfect for those who want their boat running without hassle!
• Some engines offer a protection layer for the engine that can be mixed into gas. The product is electronically controlled with an outboard control system, and just by navigating to winterize mode in your navigation map, you will have accomplished this task!
• Each manufacturer has its way of doing things, so consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions.

Experts have said a thousand times that “the best way to winterize an outboard is simply by using it.” This couldn’t be further from true if you live in a place where engines are usually operated frequently enough for their normal operating temperature range, and long periods of inaction won’t cause any problems with your powerplant!

One final tip for the season- change your lower unit and powerhead oil and visually inspect it to ensure there hasn’t been any water intrusion. Put that boat in storage with fresh fluids!

Stern drives are more complex than outboard engines because they require water removed from the block and driving unit. You may also need antifreeze running through it all and making sure everything’s coated with enough for harsh winter weather.

There are quite some differences between the different makes and models, which can be significant, so you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual.

• Removing block plugs will help you drain the engine and remove sediments that can build up inside.
• In addition, you’ll want to take some time to thoroughly check exposed parts like hoses and clamps to ensure that everything is functioning as it should be after playing all season long.
• The engine needs to reach operating temperature before fogging it, and you should also bring the engine’s operating temperature up to “cook” out any moisture that may remain inside.
• Oil changes are practically essential for the longevity of your engine. Make sure you take that step with an informed decision, too.

Inboard treatments are similar to stern drives without a drive system. They are typically done by opening petcocks and removing plugs to drain them into an antifreeze solution that will keep everything running smoothly while at sea.

• In some cases, inboards often remain in the water for winter. If you plan on keeping your boat that long then it’s important to close off the intake seacock and remove the exhaust hose from its mouth before submerging the end into the bucket full of environmentally safe antifreeze!
• It’s important to ensure the engine is operating temperature before running antifreeze through because otherwise, it will block some cooling passages until you are up on the heat.
• To get the best from your engine, you must maintain its health by doing a visual inspection, fogging, and oil change before winter and at regular intervals. It will help ensure smooth operation when needed most- during those cold months!

All gas-powered engines require individualized care and attention, whether you have a small fishing boat or an ocean liner.

• The first step to ensuring your engine runs smoothly and efficiently is adding a quality fuel-stabilizing additive.
• Winterizing a boat with ethanol-blended fuel in your tanks can be disastrous, as the mixture becomes increasingly unstable and prone to separation. It means that when you go out next spring, there will most likely be watery floods and dangerous phase transitions – meaning big problems!
• After adding the additive, run your engine so that it gets distributed through every part of its system.

When you’re done fixing the ethanol problem, change all of your engine’s filters and separators. The key here is “change.” Sometimes people will remove their fuel/water filter to pour out any excess water before reusing it.

Always replace the canister when pouring out water from your filter to prevent dirt or debris that was in there from getting drawn into other system components. This way, you avoid damaging those parts.

Plumbing systems are the next things most boat owners will need to consider.

• Any freshwater system, including sinks and tanks, must be completely drained before adding non-toxic antifreeze.
• In most cases, you’ll need to open all faucets and allow them to run until the fresh water tank is dry. Once you’ve located and plugged in any leaks, add antifreeze to your boat’s system.
• Next, open the faucet physically farthest from the tank and wait for the antifreeze to come out. Then close it up again until all have had antifreeze coming through.

If you have a water heater on your boat, be sure that both hot and cold faucets draw antifreeze through it. In some cases, this may not always work in bypassing the unit so drain separately if necessary.

You’ll also want to pump out your holding tanks and ensure the antifreeze flows through them. If you have a portable MSD, be sure that it’s removed from the boat so as not to have any surprises waiting for next spring!

There are a few important notes you should know about winterizing your boat. The hull and deck of the vessel can make or break its performance, so be sure to protect them with some preventive measures this season:

• To give your boat a fresh new look for the year’s end, clean both the hull and deck thoroughly. Gently scrubbing away any dirt or growth accumulated throughout this season will surely make it shine.
• Identify cracks or other damage to the hull and deck, then make repairs as necessary.
• Keep the outside looking good by applying a fresh coat of wax to protect it from dirt and water.
• When storing your boat on a trailer, it’s important to ensure the wheels are tightened and that there aren’t any cracks in them.
• Lastly, check your lights and tires to be sure they are in good working order.