Boat Winterization

[sneak_e_pete]

Hi there. I am storing my boat at my trailer this winter and it has to be put away by October 7.

 

I just bought the boat new this year - Smokercraft ProMag 182.

 

All I have owned before this was a small aluminum tiller. I am hoping someone can direct me to a great resource on how to winterize the actual boat itself (I am good with the motor).

 

I want to do it myself, but since I have never owned a big boat, I am not sure of all that needs to be done. Thanks in advance.

[UglyBug]

· Remove the drain plug

 

· If it has a live well run RV antifreeze thru the system on recirculate for about 5minutes to insure all water in hoses is removed

 

· Jackup the trailer and block it so all weight is off the tires Check the tire pressures then cover the tires with plastic bags to keep the weather off them

 

· If it has an onboard fuel tank I would use marine stabile, it's the blue stuff not the red one, run the motor for about ten minutes to circulate the stabile thruthe motor. I then use Seafoam in the tank with the stabile

 

· Lower the motor and let all the water drain from the lower unit

 

· I then replace the lower unit oil, this allows me to see if there is any water inthe oil as well as insure I have fresh oil for the spring

 

· If you're not going to remove the batteries make sure they have a full charge

 

· I also remove any fuses so that there is no oxidization as well as insures that nothing gets switched on by accident over the winter

 

· If the boat has any compartments I always prop them open for circulation.

 

· I remove the prop and check the seals then re-grease the prop shaft and replace prop

 

· Cover and dream of the start of a new fishing season J

 

 

Edited September 17, 2012 by UglyBug

[Hoppy]

Now here is a subject that cheers me up. Bring on the ICE.

[jedimaster]

I take the lower unit off and put a bag around the leg. The lower unit make a great book end in the condo, and I can stare at it longingly on those cold winter nights when there is no hockey on tv.

[vance]

Take the seats out and store them in your trailer(mice love the foam for bedding)seal the whole thing up as best you can.Racoons can make a real mess of the interior and your insurance probably DOESN'T cover the damage they do.

 

vance

[bigbuck]

Change the engine oil if a 4 stroke, fog engine, stabilize fuel (run for a few minutes with treated fuel before fogging), change lower unit oil and replace the seal on the drain plug, some antifreeze in the livewell pump, charge the batteries and disconnect them, shrinkwrap or tarp and wait till spring to open. However you wrap it, make sure you open up all compartments to breathe.

[northernpike56]

Just a question, not to hi-jack this thread, but it does relate to the topic- are there companies that will do this specifically for you and then store your boat all winter while your not using it too?

 

 

Matt.

[davey buoy]

Just a question, not to hi-jack this thread, but it does relate to the topic- are there companies that will do this specifically for you and then store your boat all winter while your not using it too?

 

 

Matt.

 

A lot of marinas,with a extra charge obviously.

[bobkayla]

put irish spring soap around the inside of the boat,,,mice and small animals hate the stuff

[Rizzo]

put irish spring soap around the inside of the boat,,,mice and small animals hate the stuff

 

...and I hate it too. Last time I used it a bunch of drunk Irish wimmin chased me through town

[mercman]

...and I hate it too. Last time I used it a bunch of drunk Irish wimmin chased me through town

 

 

now theres a vision that'll keep me awake all nite Rizzo

[Billy Bob]

Better then soap is MOTH BALLS.....get a box and take 3-5 small plastic bags with several small holes cut into them.....divide the moth balls equally between them and place them throughout storage areas in the boat AND UNDER THE MOTOR COVER....remove come spring and save for the next year....shouldd get 5+ years out of the same moth balls....been doing this for 27 years without any mice problems in my fishing machine...

[kickingfrog]

...and I hate it too. Last time I used it a bunch of drunk Irish wimmin chased me through town

 

Right up until the time you caught them.

[sneak_e_pete]

Thanks...would've never thought about mice. It is being stored in-doors (unheated) in the trailer parks maintenance garage, but better safe than sorry.

 

Thanks for the replies!

[FishAbout]

If it is a 4 stroke EFI do not fog. Fogging oil will plug the injectors. Run with stablizer and you will be fine. Put a thick bag or plastic over the prop to keep water from getting into the hub area and freezing. Leave engine all the way down if you can.