Long Island Boaters Complete Guide to Winterizing Your Boat
Fog the engine
1.) I run the engine with the ears on the out drive with fresh water so it flushes out the salt water for about 10 minutes. 2.) With the engine running, take off the air cleaner. 3.) Raise the rpm to about 8-10 then slowly pour about 1 shot glass of Marvel mystery oil down the carburetor or throttle body (fuel injection). You will then start to see smoke come out the exhaust port. 4.) Take a second shot of Marvel mystery oil and pour it down faster than the first shot. It may stall the engine but that’s ok. If not, shut off the engine, turn off the water, and take off the ears. You just fogged out the engine.
Winterize the engine
1.) Disconnect the hot water heater intake and outtakes from the engine. 2.) Put a piece of heater hose on the engine to connect the in and out of the hot water heater on the engine.The hose goes from the engine cold water in to the engine hot water out.Leave the hose from the heater itself hanging down to drain out. 3.) Drain the engine block.There are three drains.Once all the water is out, put the drain plugs back in. 4.)Take off the top thermostat housing hose and start pouring the anti-freeze down the hose.You will need about 3- 4 gallons per engine. 5.)When you see the anti-freeze come out of the exhaust ports and out of the water pick up, the engine and out drive is now winterized. 6.) Put the thermostat housing hose back on. If you have two engines, repeat steps 1-5.
Fresh Water System
1. Turn on fresh water pump. 2. Go to each faucet, toilet and shower (hot and cold) and let the water run until it starts to sputter. 3. Pour a non-toxic antifreeze into the fresh water holding tank. Make sure you have enough anti-freeze to fill the hot water tank and all lines running to the faucets, toilet and shower. 4. Turn on all the faucets and showers one-by-one until you see the colored anti-freeze starting to come out. Flush the toilet until you see the antifreeze. 5. Pour anit-freeze down the shower drain until it you hear bilge pump turn on. Repeat. Then check the shower resevoir to make sure it is full of antifreeze. 6. Turn off fresh water pump.
Exterior
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Pressure wash hull, clean barnacles off props and shafts, rudders, struts and trim tabs. Cover boat with a high-quality, breathable cover. Remove the propeller and check thoroughly for damage. (Now is the time to replace or service a damaged propeller, NOT at the start of the next season.) Clean the propeller shaft and apply a protective coating of grease.
Head Pump out the holding tank at an approved facility. While pumping, add fresh water to the bowl and flush several times.
Interior You should remove any valuables, electronics, lines, PFDs, fire extinguishers, flares, fenders, etc. Over the winter these items can be cleaned, checked and replaced as necessary. Open all drawers and lockers and clean thoroughly. Turn cushions up on edge so that air is able to circulate around them or, better yet, bring them home to a climate controlled area. Open and clean the refrigerator and freezer. To keep your boat dry and mildew-free you might want to install a dehumidifier or use some of the commercially available odor and moisture absorber products such as ""Damp Away". Clean and protect interior surfaces with commercially available protectants.
Electrical Inspect and repair all electrical wiring and connections. Make sure nothing was damaged during the season’s use. Spray electrical connections with moisture repellent. Remove boat batteries and store in a cool dry place. Place batteries on a smart charger or charge them approximately once a month.
Fuel Systems Fill permanently installed fuel tanks with fuel to prevent the formation of condensation and add appropriate amount of fuel stabilizer to fuel tanks. Remove portable fuel tanks to safe, well-ventilated area. Drain plastic tanks and top-off metal tanks. Drain attached fuel lines.
Boat Trailer Place the trailer on stands or blocks so the wheels are supported off the ground. Raise the bow higher than the stern to promote draining of rainwater or snow. Remove trailer wheels to clean and repack the wheel bearings.
Engine Winterizing Checklist
Maintenance
Outboards
Inboards/Sterndrives(IO)
Add gas stabilizer
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Check plugs, wires, rotor, cap
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Check belts, adjust tension
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Check hoses
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Clean fuel screens, replace fuel filter
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Check shift/throttle cables and settings
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Lube shift/throttle cables and linkages
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Flush cooling system
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Drain block, manifold, circulating pump and coolers
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Fill block, manifold and circulating pump with antifreeze
