storing your boat inbetween trips

I have been disconnecting the hose to the motor and letting it run out of gas, is this the proper ways to store your motor. Been doing that for years with lawn mower and lawn equip. etc. no carb rebuilds. Is this the same for your boat.
Thanks Bob

I do that in the winter if I know it's going to be a month or two before I use the boat again.. There's a debate on that. Some say it dries out seals in the field system.

Anybody know the absolute answer?

[h=2]Ten Boat Storage "Must-Dos"[/h]
1. Store boats stern down so rain and melting snow will drain out through the scuppers
2. Open all seacocks and drains to prevent damage from freezing
3. Use fuel stabilizing additives and follow proper procedures for winterizing engines and systems
4. Provide structural support under boat covers and tarps
5. Never tie off boat covers or tarps to boat stands
6. Trailer boat hulls should have some support so the weight is not all on the trailer tires
7. Remove electronics, food stuff, valuables, canvas, cushions and store at home
8. Put moisture absorbers in the cabin and lockers
9. Never use a portable heater or auto battery charger in bilge
10. If your boat is blocked, check stands and blocking periodically during storage

Now you know how to prepare your boat to survive the winter and be ready to go at the first sign of calm waters in the spring!

Store it in a heated Garage and use it every month. NO need to winterize.........

Later,

Geo

Mine sits outside year-round but I keep it charged off and on when not in use. But I do use it during the winter.

Our boat is stored in the basement. It's never used from November through February. About every week of so we'll turn the engine over for about 5 seconds with the kill cord pulled, then we'll top the batteries off. We'll also run a heavier than usual dose of Sta bil Marine through the fuel system during the last trip of the year. It's always good to go the first time out.

[QUOTE=peter;526826]I do that in the winter if I know it's going to be a month or two before I use the boat again.. There's a debate on that. Some say it dries out seals in the field system.

Anybody know the absolute answer?[/QUOTE]
My Dad was a outboard mechanic as a sideline job. He always said it would dry out the seals. As I stated in my other reply he always said to turn the engine over for about 5 seconds with the kill cord pulled. That will help prevent cylinder wall scaring from the rings being in the same position for a long period of time and when the engine is turned over it will also squirt a little oil laden fuel into the cylinder which will keep a protective layer of oil on the cylinder walls for long term storage. You can't do that with the fuel line disconnected. Also, when you drain the gas from the fuel lines humidity laden air will take its place which will then work it's way into areas that does not respond well to air or water. Not bad for a girl huh? :D

Not at all. Thanks!

[QUOTE=sweetwater;526883]My Dad was a outboard mechanic as a sideline job. He always said it would dry out the seals. As I stated in my other reply he always said to turn the engine over for about 5 seconds with the kill cord pulled. That will help prevent cylinder wall scaring from the rings being in the same position for a long period of time and when the engine is turned over it will also squirt a little oil laden fuel into the cylinder which will keep a protective layer of oil on the cylinder walls for long term storage. You can't do that with the fuel line disconnected. Also, when you drain the gas from the fuel lines humidity laden air will take its place which will then work it's way into areas that does not respond well to air or water. Not bad for a girl huh? :D[/QUOTE]

Not bad at all for a gurl :)

[QUOTE=GeoFisher;526885]Not bad at all for a gurl :)[/QUOTE]
Thank you Geofisher, I get the feeling that some guys are resentful towards me when the subject of boats or fishing comes up. It's like I'm invading their territory or something.

[QUOTE=sweetwater;526894]Thank you Geofisher, I get the feeling that some guys are resentful towards me when the subject of boats or fishing comes up. It's like I'm invading their territory or something.[/QUOTE]

Not me. You always sound like you know what you are talking about and helpful.

Waterdog,
Curious about #9. "Never use a portable heater or auto battery charger in bilge."
Why not leave charger comected during winter months? I leave my 3 bank charger connected (Dec-Feb). 2 banks to the trolling batteries and 1 bank to the starting. I was told this will help prevent build up on the plates and keep them fully-charged without affecting life of battery?
Am I wrong? Am I better off to pull and store in garage, basement, etc...?