What does winterizing a boat entail?

Question

Unfortunately the boating season has come to an end and I need to get my boat winterized. I'll probably just take it into the shop, but I was wondering what processes need to be done to winterize a boat.

Is it simply opening drain plugs, or is there more to it than that?

Answer 1

Since you said drain plug it must be a inboard> Put lower unit in a garbage can put 2 gal anti freeze in 2 gal water till over lower unit> Start engine let idle till warm them spray engine fog out use outboard oil in carb at high idle till smoke a lot shut off drain antifreeze into containers use next yr> All the oil will flot to the top wipe out>The last time you use the boat put fuel stabilizer in fuel before storage and winterizing>

Answer 2

I agree with 45 Cal, I also pull my batteries and store them inside during the winter. Some shops will till you to change out your water/fuel separator also if you have one. Never leave you gas tank empty or full during storage, I leave mine 3/4 full this allows for expanding during the winter season. I will also go ahead and grease the engine and wheel bearings on the trailer as well. This way they are ready for spring.

Answer 3

Where do you live that the boating season has come to an end. It ain't that cold yet. If you get freezing nights just do the antifreeze in a tub thing each time you put the boat up. Till the season really comes to an end.

Answer 4

what kind of engine?

Answer 5

All you ever needed to know about winterizing your engine: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?...

Answer 6

Tongue in cheek!

No serious 'winterizing' in California.

'been living on my Sailboat for over  19 years.

Answer 7

mercruiser.com has complete details and instructions.

Answer 8

Some winterising tips for inboard engines:

- Warm up the engine and change the oil.

- Change the oil filter(s).

- Flush the engine with fresh water.

- Run antifreeze through the manifold (use a pickup hose from the water pump to a bucket of antifreeze).

- Start the engine and let the antifreeze circulate until water starts to exit the exhaust (this process depends on whether you have a raw water or enclosed fresh water cooling system).

- Change the transmission fluid.

- Remove sparking-plugs and spray fogging oil into each cylinder.

- Wipe the engine with a cloth sprayed with a little fogging oil or WD-40.

You can find more here http://www.yachtcouncil.com/winterize-yo...