Get your boat Winterized
 

I know we all like to wait untill the last minute to winterize our boats, don't get caught with your pants down.:Whatever: Not winterizing could cost you a bundel:mad:, so fair warning. Here are a few things that you need to get done or do yourself.

When bringing boat in for Winter keep the tank 3/4 full or 1/2 full and top off in the Spring. Be sure to have the fuel at the proper level before you have your boat winterized, so the correct amount of fuel stabilizer can be added to the fuel. The winterizing process will run the stabilizer through the entire fuel system.

Engine oil and filters should be changed before Winter storage. Drive Gear oil and filter, if applicable, should also be changed. Fresh oil is always preferred though long term storage, this will give you less prep time in the Spring.

Engines should be flushed with non-tox antifreeze prior to Winter storage. This is done to protect against any residual water that is left in the engine. The antifreeze has non-corrosive properties to help prevent against rusting.

Water fuel separator filters should be changed prior to storage.

Batteries should be fully charged, with proper fluid levels, and no draw before storage. If this is done, the batteries can be left on the boat all Winter long.

There are other systems within your boat that would need to be addressed before you store, if applicable. These other systems might include:
- Fresh water system
- Head
- Air Conditioner
- Hot water heater
- Generator
- Shower sump
Each system has a specialized procedure to prevent damage.

Wally has a good post about the steps to winterize.

What's winterizing???:grinser010:

It's the agonizing pain in the a.ss annual ritual that every Northern boater must go though in order to prevent telling the wife and friends how stupid you are for letting the daum boat motor freeze.
It is also known as the acknowledgment that the season is over and one questions themselves on why we live where we do?

4 years ago I waited til it was 30 degrees, snowing and 10:00pm. I have never done that twice.

How many had put in the heat lamp??:party-smiley-004:

:drink:

Just have the wife hold the hair dryer on the blocks a few X per day Bubba!!!!!:party-smiley-004:

Don't call yourself lucky, call yourself lucky - lucky.:angry-smiley-038:

When U stick a run'n hose up your AZZ & get flushed out!!:eek::evilb:

He's ready, turn'er on Ma!:party-smiley-004:

Well, at least we dont have hurricanes!

(Sorry, thats all Ive got!) :drink: