Winterize

jamespjackson95 · Outlaw Joined: 17 May 2012 Posts: 113

My 21' 1989 ski challenger is stored in my garage in the winter... In Anderson sc. Do I really need to winterize if so what are the steps to winternizing an inboard direct drive boat?

augie · Criminal Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 54 City: KC

It's always a good idea to winterize just in case a power outage.
1. Drain water from the engine/transmission - different process for every boat, but usually drain plugs at bottom of block, pull the lines going in and out of the trans, pull lines/plugs in exhaust manifolds, pull lines going in and out of raw water pump. Any heaters/ballast pumps need to be emptied
2. fog the engine
3. change the oil

optional: change trans fluid, fill engine with antifreeze.

jgriffith · Posted: Oct 11, 2012 7:47 am Post subject:

Its not worth the risk, go ahead and winterize you will sleep better.

jamespjackson95 · Outlaw Joined: 17 May 2012 Posts: 113

Thanks so much. What do u mean by step 2 fog the engine?

kartman · Posted: Oct 11, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject:

pickup a can of fogging oil and follow directions. some have you poor it down the carb while its running, some are a spray, some will have you pull the spark plugs and squirt some in each cylinder.

CPGrandelli · Criminal Joined: 24 Oct 2012 Posts: 90

Hey,

Winterizing your boat isn't strictly preventing it from cracking the engine due to freezing water. It also ensures that you keep your fuel stable, oil sealed in proper locations, certain fluids removed. It serves it's purpose whether you are in a moderate climate and your boat is being stored or if your in the freezing cold. It's just a good thing to do, especially since you know you won't be using it for a while.

Roos · Outlaw Joined: 31 Jul 2006 Posts: 192

If you ever boat in salt or brackish water you should run her full of anti-freeze(glycol?)/water mix. The main purpose for me to run anti-freeze through the engine and let the engine sit full of anti-freeze all winter is due to its anti-rust properties. Letting your engine sit without water in her will let oxygen get to all of your engine. The life of your engine, manifolds and risers will all benefit from sitting in water/anti-freeze mix. Even if used in fresh-water.

However if you only keep your boat in freshwater you will probably see around 10 years of service from your manifolds even if you let them sit dry during the winter. And the life expectancy of the engine probably falls shorter due some other issues than corrosion when used in fresh-water.

Regardsless, I would sleep better knowing there aren't any rust-bugs eating away the inside of my engine...

Mike