Do boat motors need to be winterized?
If you want your engine to start in the spring and last you many years and plan on not using your engine all winter, you do have to winterize an outboard motor. Winterizing the engine helps to prevent damage during disuse, which is the chief cause for engine failure. Failing to winterize may lead to complications.
Should I store my boat with the motor up or down?
Should I leave my engine up or down? Simply put, if you are leaving the boat in the water, leave it in the up position to avoid growth. If you are leaving it out of the water, trim it down to drain the water and protect the Power Tilt and Trim seals from the sun.
What needs to be done to winterize a boat?
How To Winterize Your Boat
- Step 1: Replace engine oil.
- Step 2: Flush and drain cooling water.
- Step 3: Stabilize fuel.
- Step 4: Protect internal engine components.
- Step 5: Replace gear oil.
- Step 6: Grease and lubricate.
- Step 7: Remove valuables.
- Step 8: Clean and wax.
At what temperature should you winterize your boat?
As soon as the weather gets below 32 degrees, water begins to freeze, with water with impurities or saltwater in it starting to freeze at 28 degrees. In most cases, the water will not freeze solid (leading to cracked engine blocks) until the temperatures stay below 32 for several days and nights.
What happens if boat is not winterized?
If You Don’t Winterize Your Boat, Here’s What Happens: Water freezes and expands and can damage anything it’s trapped inside. Water may seep into unprotected spaces to do this. Acidic and corrosive wastes, salt and corrosion buildup can damage delicate parts in engines. Fuels break down or grow dirty.
When should I winterize my boat?
During winter, if nighttime lows dip into the 30s, you are among the majority of boaters who should winterize. That includes areas prone to short-lived cold snaps that rebound to warmer temperatures. If you are mechanically inclined, approach it as a DIY project.
Do outboards self drain?
All outboards have a self-draining cooling system. There is no reason to start the motor with the notion that you are going to purge the last drops from the water pump housing. It needs water for lubrication.
What is the best way to store a boat motor?
A final consideration is the position in which to store your engine. The best way is to either leave the motor on the boat or on an engine stand in an upright position, not tilted. If neither of these are an option, try to make sure that the engine is in an upright, self-draining position.
Can I winterize my own boat?
Start by prepping your engine; ensure all water has been drained and removed. Apply corrosion protection to your engine. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions, and complete fogging, if needed.
How cold is too cold for boat engine?
At what temperature will a boat engine freeze? Unwinterized boat engines can freeze any time the air temperature is below 28°F (-2°C) – for an extended period. Freshwater cooled engines without proper coolant can freeze below 32°F (0°C). The good news is you can prevent freeze damage fairly easily.
How do you winterize a boat engine?
How to Winterize a Boat Motor Step 1 – Check Condition of Wires and Hoses Step 2 – Flush the Engine With Water Step 3 – Flush the Cooling System Step 4 – Use Fuel Stabilizer Step 5 – Use Fogging Oil Step 6 – Change the Oil Step 7 – Cover the Boat
What are the steps to winterize a boat?
6 Basic Steps to Winterizing Your Boat, Trailer & Motor 1. Starting the Process of Winterizing Your Boat, Trailer & Motor 2. Winterizing the Outboard Boat Motor 3. Clean the Boat Bilges and Livewells 4. Inspect Your Boat’s Hull 5. Prep Your Boat Trailer for Winter 6. Cover Your Boat Latest from Justin Hoffman
What does it cost to winterize an inboard boat?
From our research, as long as your boat was less than 40-feet, the costs tend to be in the $400 to $700 range for a basic winterization and often did not include any additional storage or shrink wrapping.
Do I need to winterize my outboard motor?
Winterizing is Really Important. Correctly preparing your outboard motor for the off-season will help insure that it’s ready to go next spring.