De-Winterizing Your Boat
By: Michael Boldig
It's time to get the boat out of storage and get it cleaned up and readied for this season. Nothing is worse than climbing into your boat with everyone sitting around the dock you proceed and turn the key, nothing. This can all be avoided if you take the time to de-winterize your boat. To help avoid any frustration at the dock, follow the checklist to help you in preparing your boat for the upcoming season.
The checklist provided below is a generic checklist for De-winterizing your outboard engine. Some of the steps below may not apply to your particular engine.
Items required:
- Spark Plug Wrench
- WD-40
- Grease Gun with manufacturers recommended grease
- Fuel stabilizer
- Muffs or Tank of Clean Water
- Prop Wrench or Large Adjustable Wrench
Battery Inspection
Check your battery terminals for corrosion. If there is corrosion on the terminals, wipe it clean. Be sure to check you battery with a tester. Does the battery have the correct voltage and amps? If not, charge the battery and check it again and if still no luck, it may be time for a new battery.
Fuel System
At the end of every season, you should have drained the majority of the fuel from your tanks. Some recommend filling the gas tanks full at the end of a season to minimize the potential for condensation. I found that a small amount of moisture in the tank in spring is a less significant problem than gas tanks full of bad gasoline. Top off the gas tanks with new gasoline and add an appropriate amount of stabilizer to the fuel. I add stabilizer to each tank when I am unsure how long the boat will sit until the next time I use it. Make sure the fuel lines are attached and not cracked. During the winter months hoses can become dry and brittle. Clean or replace the fuel filter for the motor as required by your owner's manual.
Spark Plugs
At the end of every season, you should spray fogging oil into the cylinders. I recommend replacing the spark plugs at the beginning of each season. It's a cheap way to help avoid any issues. Discard the old plugs.
Inspect the Propeller
Check the propeller for any dings or bends. If there are any be sure to have you propeller serviced or replaced.
Steering Cables
If your boat is equipped with steering cables, inspect the outer jacket for any cracks or swelling. Cracks or swelling could indicate corrosion and the cable must be replaced. (Note: Do not try and correct the problem by lubricating or wrapping the outer jacket, this will only make things worse.)
Lubricate the engine
Be sure to inspect the motor. Lubricate all zerk fittings with a grease gun and spray all points with WD-40 to protect them as specified in your owner's manual.
Freshwater Flush
Running your motor prior to putting it in the water is a simple step to help avoid trouble at the dock. Using a flushing attachment, like muffs, or running the outboard in a tank filled with clean water. Check over the entire system while the motor is running to ensure you haven't missed anything. Run the motor for at least 5 - 10 minutes.
Trailer Checks
If you trailer your boat, be sure to check the trailer over each season for wear and tear. Inspect the tires for any cracks on the sidewalls or worn out tread, replace if necessary. Inspect the bearings, repack or replace if necessary. Lastly, check the trailer lighting. Look for burnt out bulbs, chafed or broken wires, and improperly attached ground wires. These are the most commonly overlooked trailer problems.
Other checks
- Refill or replace fire extinguishers if necessary.
- Inspect all personal floatation devices.
- Clean bilge. Inspect bilge pump and float switch to ensure they are working properly.
The steps described above are suggestions based on my past experiences in preparing my boat for each season. Each boat and motor is different, therefore for more specific information regarding your engine or boat; please consult the owner's manuals.
