Winterizing Boats

[cman]

It helps fuel from breaking down over time. If you're going through that much fuel you shouldn't have a problem. I add it every chance I get just as a carb cleaner.

[twise7]

cumberland guy - if you're using fuel that contains ethanol, which is the vast majority of fuel you buy...unless specifically marked "ethanol free", you better add a fuel stabilizer at every fill up! If not, you're running a huge risk of damaging your motor!!

[cumberland guy]

Thanks for the tip......I must have missed that in the manual. I'll add some when I fill up on Sunday.

[mybentrod]

Outboards typically over time will breakdown without the use of Stabile. Not saying that theres not some motors that just keep on ticking no matter what but I use it in every tank because ethanol breaks down rubber fittings and hoses and really burns hotter than most stock motors can take for a long time. JMO. It helps stabilize the ethanol in regular gas for smaller engines.

[Col Forbin]

I run marine stabil ethanol treatment (it is not the same as red stabil). I also put in some ring free (or you could use seafoam) in every fill up no matter what time of year. Winter is also a good time to get yearly maintenance done (lower unit oil, pack bearings, check lights, plugs, batteries....). If you are going to store it outside be sure to drain all the water out it by lowering your motor all the way down.

I use mine most of the year, so winterizing for me is putting in some extra clothes, coats, hats and gloves.