Instructions for Winterizing

JBurke

I am new boat owner with a 218 Fundeck RE with Yamaha 150 HP OB Motor located in NW Iowa.  I am in the process of finding a marina to winterize and store.  I need a list of things that I need to insure are done so that my boat and motor are properly serviced.
Thanks

cjjjdeck

Outboard boats have a shorter "to do" list than I/O's when it comes to winterizing.

1) drain and change the drive oil; they mostly do this to make sure that water is not leaking into the drive.
2) most dealers "fog" the engine cylinders with oil to prevent rusting, and keep piston rings from sticking.
3) If your model has a fresh water supply and a galley sink, the tank needs to drained and non-toxic antifreeze (the pink stuff sold in Walmart & RV stores) needs to be circulated through the system.
4) make sure you have ethanol additive/fuel stabilizer in the gas tank, especially if you are using ethanol blended fuel (E10).  I also follow the practice of storing the boat with a full tank of fuel (some believe in this, some don't).

That pretty much is the important stuff.  I usually remove all my on board cleaning supplies and anything else that can freeze.  If you have a 4 stroke outboard, dealers usually change that oil in the spring when prepping your boat for the new season.

JBurke

Thanks for the quick response to my request for a " to do lit."

nquirk

I'm going to add one more to that to do list being a Canuck north of the 49th.

As cjjjdeck mentioned in #3 but is often forgotten, if you have a livewell, make sure to drain both the supply and return lines.  Many of folks have put their boats back in the water come spring to find the pump housing for the livewell is busted and leaking water into their boats.  (I've personally help two dock neighbours for the same issue) 

89checkmate

Also it's a good idea to store the boat with the motor in the down position to ensure all the water is out of it and to prevent water from pooling in the lower unit by the prop shaft and then freezing.