My baja 180 islander runs a mercruiser 6 cyl. vortec inboard/outboard. I've always had outboard.?

Question

my question is about winterizing. We live in the southeast and I've always taken my outbard boats out at the end of season and winterized, now I've decided to store the boat year round in a wet slip at the lake and wondered ...do you still have to pull boat out and winterize even if you plan on using all year. We'll be taking it to the gulf coast from time to time during the winter and fall. Keeping it in the water we have little chance our water here ever freezes. difference maker?

Answer 1

Not here in the South. The only thing I would recommend is to go to West Marine or Boatersworld and buy a Goldenrod (ask salesman) and place it in the engine compartment. This will help to keep the condensation down on the engine to  stop rusting. I have to use this on mine even while on the trailer.

Now I cannot afford any major damage to my engine, so on nights when the temp drops down below freezing for many hours I do put a 100 watt light bulb next to the engine for warmth.

Answer 2

First, let's talk storage procedures.  If you are not going to use the boat for 4 months, regardless of the season.  You need to use "fogging oil"....... this year there appears to be a problem with fuel, So I'm recommending an fuel stabilizer be added when you fill-up. not later than 30 days later.  Now, I've lived and worked in Ga. and Fl.  I've seen cracked blocks due to those occasional overnight freezing temps.  So I would say, drain the water from the engine.   (Note some engines have antifreeze systems, in which case you drain the heat exchanger not the block)  Now there or other systems that need attention before storage.  I'm mentioned fuel, but if you have a sink, or head, they need attention.  So, think about things you need to check, like battery's.  Think storage rather than freezing.  Good luck!