Winterizing your boat???? 1st timer

[fishhunter]

well, if your going to be fishing at the end of December,You'll be fishing Jan/Feb too, ant no colder

[jeremys]

well maybe but will it be ok setting 4-6 weeks at a time without running????

[fishhunter]

i guess i fished about ever other weekend last year,may of went 3 weeks not fishing,my boat was fine.now by allmeans do what u think is best. the only thing i did was pulled the gas line and let the gas in carbs burn off, I think this winterizing stuff is for the people in the extream north, where lakes freeze over for mounts at a time (u know ice fishing places),once again,do what u think best, this is only my 2 cent worth winter fishing here i come. Hunter

[the_donger]

Fuel stabilizer is not for northern climes only. Any place that the temperature drops below freezing needs fuel stabilizer. When the temp drops, water in the gas crystalizes and when it goes above freezing, will thaw, float and form droplets, droplets join together and now you have water in your gas.

[DYNATRAK]

weather's been so HOT and HUMID this summer, i'll probably fish mine all year.

however, your manual should outline some 'to-dos' like fog the engine, replace fuel filter, etc. etc.

check your manual for a 'storage' section.

i winterize mine each year. spent maybe 40 bucks on fogging oil, lower unit lube (definitely change that), other little things. had enough left over to use this past year.

check out iboats.com for some advice as well. go to the 'boating forums' and look for mercury faqs.

hope this helps.

[Danny]

I did fog my first boat, but I had a carburated motor. My current motor is an opti, with direct fuel injection, and I was curious, I don't know if these are supposed to be fogged or not, does anyone know? I don't remember my manuel saying anything about it, but it has been nearly four years since I read it.

Thanks for helping with my curiousity.

Danny

[Everlytriton]

Danny,
From what I've read, you do not fog opti's. There is an extensive thread on this issue on BassboatCental.com if you want to know more. I can't recall exactly what you do to the cylinders but I do remember the merc mechanics that chime in on there say not to fog them. I also have an opti but fish all winter so I follow the steps that you take. Bill

[Barry]

Don't forget your trailer, check the wheel bearings for water.. Also make sure you able to get all the water you can out of the boat hull and livewells.