Winterizing Boats

[twise7]

It seems the cold weather has finally set in and it's time for me to winterize my boat. I've searched online and have a lot of ideas as to what to do, but was wondering what you all do to winterize your boat, motor, trailer, etc.

[cumberland guy]

I fish all winter so my advice is to just keep using it!

[floatman]

I fish all winter also, but you should have already lowed the motor all the way down to get any water out, and I would put STA-BIL fuel treatment red and green, trailer pick a nice day and pack the bearings, and you are ready to go come spring JMO

Gary

[MarkW]

I have never done anything special other then to drain and refill lower unit to make sure there is no water in there and I keep Stabil in it. The Marine Formula is sufficient---you can keep that stuff in there year around. I also try to run my boat year round but don't get out near enough. Oh, also keep batteries fully charged. That's about it for me.

[walkeraviator]

We usually put sta-bil in the tank and fill it up, change lower unit fluids, and put the trailer on jack stands to keep from flat spotting the tires too bad. I know of guys who run their boats on a set of muffs and **** a little 50/50 mix anti-freeze through the cooling system. Dont know much about doing that myself.

[00SKEETER]

The cold weather may have set in but the fish are still biting.

[rickhise]

this time of year if i pull it out, lower it, tilt all the way down, then pop the sarter hit it a time or two, hopefully still on the incline of the ramp,
shade tree here.

If anyone is still reading on a merc cruiser i winterized the other day on the lower unit i could not find the top vent plug that the lower unit fluid would push out of when filled. The fill or drain plug was located where you normally find it, i know it has to have one.
(inborad outboard)
excuse jumping on your post,
I would emphasize periodic battery charge's, an water level on those batts.

[RICHYD4U]

Stabil and keep on fishing!

-Rich

[twise7]

Incredible timing! Just got my December issue of Kentucky Fish and Game and there is a two page article outlining the steps to take to winterize boats. Everyone's tips are mentioned in the article (except for the "keep fishing" tips) so it looks like you all are doing the right things! Thanks for the help!

As far as fishing through the winter, I have a new-found respect for those of you who can brave the cold to go out in the snow/freezing rain. As for me, the only fishing I'll do this winter is on Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida!!

[cumberland guy]

I have a question. What does the Stabil do? I've fished almost every weekend in the winter for the last 5 years. I have a Mercury 4 stroke and change the fluids regularly per the manual. Engine starts first crank every time. Is the Stabil needed if the boat is used this much?

[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!!