I have a 1987 Run about and i'm wondering how to winterize it.?

Question

It has the 4 cylinder engine Mer cruiser inboard out board.Thanks

Answer 1

Remove drain plugs or open pet c***s on engine block. This drains water from the block. Do the same on the water cooled manafold. Pull circulation hoses off at top where the thermostat is. Pour either regular anti freeze or rv anti freeze down hoses. I prefer regular anti freeze. Make sure some goes in the manifold. Anti freeze should run out of engine block pet c***s, manafold and out of the engine exhaust where propellar is. One gallon should be plenty for the 4 cylinder, I only use a gallon on my 6 cylinder. If you have had to add oil to your lower unit then take the plug out of the lower side housing by on the back of the houseing where the propeller is. If this is clear oil put the plug back in not spilling much out. If the fluid is clear and not milky there is no water in the lower unit. Some people like to pull the plugs and spray WD40 or some light oil into the cylinders. This oils the cylinder walls keeping them from rusing over the winter. I have not done this to mine for the 10 years I have had it and it runs good and uses no oil.

That takes care of your engine and outdrive.

For the boat pull out all drain c***s at the back of the boat and lift the front of the boat up about 1 foot higher than the back and let it drain for several hours or leave it up for the winter. If water gets left in the hull of your boat and freezes it can damage most hulls.

I have a 23ft Cobia and use the above proceedures every year. This should not cost you more than $20.00. It just takes care and time.

Answer 2

Take it to a boat mechanic.......I just took mine it is a 1998 18' bow rider with the 4 cyl. Mercruiser I/O as well.....it cost 120 dollars....they fogged the engine......flushed and filled with RV  anti-freeze about 5 gallons I think......changed the lower unit oil.....unhooked the negative on the battery and I think that's it.....if you do it yourself....make sure you know what you are doing....because you don't want to be buying a new engine block...water jacket....or lower unit....they are far more expensive then the 120 dollars to have it done professionally....plus you have someone to hold accountable if anything does go wrong....hope this helps.