How to winterize a boat
Can I winterize my own boat?
Start by prepping your engine; ensure all water has been drained and removed. Apply corrosion protection to your engine. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, and complete fogging, if needed. Add a fuel-stabilizing additive to your fuel system; then run the engine.
What do you need to winterize a boat?
Boat Winterization Checklist & Products
- Antifreeze and Kits. Boat Shrinkwrap and Accessories.
- Boat Covers. Boat Stands and Dollies.
- Fuel Treatment and Fogging. Fuel Filters.
- Engine Lube and Oil Change Pumps. Oil Filters.
How cold does it have to be to winterize your boat?
As a general rule, you should look to winterize your boat before the temperatures drop below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, approximately -3 degrees Celsius.
How much does it cost to winterize a boat?
If you winterize your boat yourself, it will cost you about $250. This price includes the cost of winterizing the engine, the other systems of your boat, and cleaning it, stem to stern, inside and out. However, if you have the work done at a boatyard, expect to spend $500 up.
What happens if boat is not winterized?
If you do not winterize your boat, any water droplets left could freeze, expand, and crack the components they were in. This could cause anything from blowing off a hose to completely ruining your engine.
What happens if you forget to winterize a boat?
If You Don’t Winterize Your Boat, Here’s What Happens. Water freezes and expands and can damage anything it’s trapped inside. Water may seep into unprotected spaces to do this. Acidic and corrosive wastes, salt and corrosion buildup can damage delicate parts in engines.
What temperature will a boat engine freeze?
Unwinterized boat engines can freeze any time the air temperature is below 28°F (-2°C) – for an extended period. Freshwater cooled engines without proper coolant can freeze below 32°F (0°C). The good news is you can prevent freeze damage fairly easily.
How much antifreeze is needed to winterize a boat?
two gallons
Antifreeze, A Friend Indeed
Thanks. If you’re going to winterize a boat you’ll need around a five gallon bucket and two gallons of antifreeze to protect your engine and all related plumbing.
Can you leave a boat outside in the winter?
Outdoor boat storage is certainly possible for your boat during winter. If you decide to do this, it is especially important to pull your boat completely out of the water because ice and very cold water can do great damage to your boat.
Do outboards self drain?
All outboards have a self-draining cooling system. There is no reason to start the motor with the notion that you are going to purge the last drops from the water pump housing.
How do you keep a boat engine block from freezing?
A similar snap-on cover or a heavy-mil plastic garbage bag slipped up over the outdrive and tied at the top will prevent the engine compartment heat from dissipating through the exposed metal. When a freeze is forecast, you can also put your boat back in the water, since water provides greater insulation than air.
When should I Summerize my boat?
As soon as the weather gets below 32 degrees, water begins to freeze, with water with impurities or saltwater in it starting to freeze at 28 degrees. In most cases, the water will not freeze solid (leading to cracked engine blocks) until the temperatures stay below 32 for several days and nights.
Should you leave your outboard up or down?
It’s best to tilt your outboard up when leaving your boat in the water to prevent marine growth from forming and from corrosion eating away at its metal parts.
Do you need to run antifreeze through outboard motor?
You do not need to run antifreeze through an outboard, period. They’re designed to drain completely in the tilted-down position, and do not need an ounce of antifreeze.
Are transom savers necessary?
the correct answer is,yes,you need a transom saver. even though boats are designed to flex and move in the water,they are not designed to be rigidly mounted to a trailer with a motor bouncing on the back that is flexing and stressing the transom with every bounce.
What position should outboard motors be stored?
The best way is to either leave the motor on the boat or on an engine stand in an upright position, not tilted. If neither of these are an option, try to make sure that the engine is in an upright, self-draining position. If you can’t do this, be sure that the cooling system is drained completely.
Should boat motor be left in the water?
Should I leave my engine up or down? Simply put, if you are leaving the boat in the water, leave it in the up position to avoid growth. If you are leaving it out of the water, trim it down to drain the water and protect the Power Tilt and Trim seals from the sun.
Does Mercury Marine recommend a transom saver?
A lot of boaters advocate using your engine’s service or engine lock. While there is a lot of debate on the transom savers or motor support issue, we do not recommend trailering using your service/engine lock for engine support when trailering. Both Yamaha and Mercury recommend against it as well.
How long do transoms last?
On to fabricating the replacement transom: Most, if not all wooden transoms in smaller boats are made of plywood. From the looks of the transom in this boat, I would estimate a typical transom will last about 20 years or so before they need to be replaced.
How much does a 9.9 motor weigh?
Specs & Compare
| Engine Type | 2 cyl |
|---|---|
| Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Induction System | Carb |
| Weight †| 39 kg (87 lbs) – 40 kg (89 lbs) |
| Recommended Fuel | Octane 87 |
Can I lay a 2 stroke outboard on its side?
For 2-stroke outboard motors, you may be able to keep it lying on its side while in transit but make sure to store it upright once you store it. Meanwhile, for 4-stroke boat motors, it is best to keep them upright at all times.