It's time to get your boat ready for the cold months when the sun sets.Taking the necessary steps to winterize your boat will protect it from the elements, so it is ready to use when the weather warms up.In order to prepare your boat for winter, you need to winterize the engine, clean the boat, and store it in a way that protects it from the elements.Follow all the steps.
Step 1: Fresh water is the best way to flush the engine.
Salt, dirt, and other pollutants will be flushed out of your engine by this process.There are different ways to flush a motor.Attach a pair of boat engine ear muffs to the water intakes on your outboard motor.Attach a water hose to the opening on the ear muffs and let the engine run in neutral until the water runs out.Some newer outboards have built-in water hose attachment that can be used without the engine running.Attach a hose to the motor and let the water run for 10 minutes.If you have an owner's manual, check it for the correct procedure.
Step 2: Make sure you keep your fuel stable.
During the winter, unstabilized fuel can cause gummy deposits in your engine supply lines.If you fill your tank with fuel, it will be about 85% of its capacity.Pennzoil Fuel Stabilizer is a gasoline stabilizer.Determine the appropriate amount to add by following the directions on the stabilizer packaging.After adding the stabilizer, run your engine for 10 minutes.You can drain your gas tank completely and leave it empty for the winter.
Step 3: The engine cylinders and intakes should be fogged.
It's a good idea to coat the inside of your engine with fogging oil.The best type of fogging oil to use and the proper procedure for fogging your engine can be found in your owner's manual.fogging oil can be sprayed into the engine air intake while it is running.The fuel line should be disconnected after spraying a generous amount of fogging oil into the intake.Allow the engine to run until it dies by spraying oil into the air intake.During this process, the engine will emit a lot of white smoke.If you have completely drained the fuel from your engine, you can spray fogging oil directly into the spark plug holes.The engine should be spun several times to coat the spark plugs.Don't connect the wires if you put the plugs back in.When not in use, your boat's pistons will be subjected to air, dampness and other caustic materials.
Step 4: The engine block should be flushed.
Water freezing in your engine block can cause damage.Almost all manufacturers recommend antifreeze containing propylene glycol.The highest concentration of antifreeze is available.If you have an inboard or outboard motor, the procedure will be different.After you flush your engine with fresh water, you can connect an antifreeze kit to the water intake.After you perform the fresh-water flush, leave your engine running and connect a hose attached to a tank of antifreeze to your water intake.The engine should run until the tank is empty.The end of the seacock's water hose should be inserted into a large bucket of antifreeze.You should let the motor run until you see the antifreeze coming out of the exhaust outlet.The intake hose needs to be replaced.
Step 5: Change the fuel.
You should change the oil in your engine and transmission if you have an inboard motor.The oil is still hot, so this works best after running the boat.It is easier to remove impurities from hot oil because it flows more easily.It's a good time to replace your oil filter.Recommendations on which type of oil to use can be found in your owner's manual.Different engines require different oil properties and engine oil can be found in a variety of viscosities and service ratings.If you can, drain the old oil by removing the sump plug and allowing the oil to run out into a drainage pan or a cardboard box lined with a garbage bag.If this method is not convenient, you can use a hand pumped or electric oil extractor.You can get fresh oil from an oil changing device.You can dispose of used oil at a recycling facility.
Step 6: The gear case lubricant needs to be replaced.
This will remove water and other pollutants that can cause problems.If you want the lubricant to flow more easily, you should get your engine hot before draining it.It's time to get your gear case serviced if the lubricant looks cloudy or if metal is suspended in it.
Step 7: Place the battery in a dry place for the winter.
When put away, the battery should be fully charged.The water level should be maintained while the battery is in storage.
Step 8: You should check your hull for stress cracks.
If you see cracks in your hull, they may be indicative of a more serious problem and should be evaluated by a professional.If you find blisters in the gel coat on your hull, puncture them, drain out any water, and patch them with an epoxy-based filler like West System or West Marine Gelcoat Repair Kit.
Step 9: The bottom of your boat should be clean.
If you have scum and barnacles on the bottom of your boat, you may want to use a pressure washer and scraper to remove them.Local laws governing boat pressure washing procedures should be considered when you choose to do this.3M Marine Ultra Performance Paste Wax can be used to treat the bottom of your boat.
Step 10: You should clean the interior of your boat.
To clean interior surfaces, use a gentle all-purpose cleaner.If necessary, wash and vacuum carpets.3M Marine Vinyl Cleaner can be used to clean and protect your boat's interior vinyl components.Star Brite Mildew Stain Remover can be used to remove mold and mildew.
Step 11: Protect your electronics.
Store electronics in a dry place.It's a good idea to spray any exposed electronic fixture with a lubricant.
Step 12: Your vessel's propeller and hub should be looked at.
Look for dents or bowed blades.When winterizing your boat, change damaged parts and perform needed repairs.
Step 13: Wet or dry storage is what you should decide.
Dry storage may be cheaper than storing your boat in the water, and dry-stored boats are less likely to develop blisters.Dry-stored boats may be more vulnerable to damage from sudden freezes than boats stored in the water.Discuss your options with experts in your area.
Step 14: If you can, store your boat in a climate-controlled area.
You can rent a climate-controlled storage unit, store your boat in a heated garage on your property, or use a dry-stacking facility.In areas where hurricanes and winter storms are a concern, these options will help protect your boat from the elements.
Step 15: Take care of your boat.
Even if the boat is stored in a heated garage or another type of storage facility, this is a good idea.If snow or debris falls on your cover, it should be waterproof and strong enough to hold it up.The type of cover you choose should be wellventilated to keep the water out of your boat.Shrinkwrap is one of the most popular types of boat coverings.Shrink wrap can cause problems if not properly treated and ventilated.There are custom fabric covers.The up-front cost of a fabric cover is high, but it can be re-used for many years, and will cost less than repeated applications of shrink wrap.It is easy to remove and replace fabric covers.The tarps are made of polyethylene.Tarps are a fairly inexpensive boat covering solution, but they must be thick and supported to prevent damage to your boat from snow and debris.If you want to support the tarp cover on your boat, you may need to build a frame out of wood or pipe.