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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Hey!
Some of you are already done while others will be considering it soon. What do you do to winterize your rigs? Do you do all the work yourself or have it professionally done? Let's see if we can develop a helpful list that everyone can use. I'll start but hope others will chime in............ Hey!
Some of you are already done while others will be considering it soon. What do you do to winterize your rigs? Do you do all the work yourself or have it professionally done? Let's see if we can develop a helpful list that everyone can use. I'll start but hope others will chime in............
1. Add Stabil to a full tank of gas. Run it through the motors on the last trip out.
2. Change the lower unit.
3. Repack the trailer bearings.
4. Make sure all water is out of bilge pumps, lower unit livewells.
5. Strategically place Bounce fabric softener to boat.
Let's keep it going......
6. ?????????
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| Fill the tires 4 pds over cold max pressure
Pull all electronics and trolling motors to a warm storage place.
Clean all battery terminals after charging and pulling out the batteries for winter storage,
Check trim fluid levels
remove fire extingisher (my dad always did)
I fog the cylinders manually (just my preference)
also I pump RV antifreeze thru alll pumps and reciruclators and bilge
next year I will do the motor also thru the coolant back flush fitting with RV antfreeze, need to set uo a hose, have a pump,
Clean, Vaccuum. I cover mine. Empty all storage compartments so no odors get absorbed.
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| A few more things
Prop open all compartments,lift the front of the boat/trailer and put a block under it,take out all of the gear so I can sharpen,dry,clean,fix,lube, or replace it over the winter,back off the drags on my reels.Paul |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Great...Great ideas guys. Keep them Coming. I'm hoping that we can end up with a final check off list that can be used by all WF readers.
Here's what we have so far:
1. Add Stabil to a full tank of gas. Run it through the motors on the last trip out.
2. Change the lower unit.
3. Repack the trailer bearings.
4. Make sure all water is out of bilge pumps, lower unit livewells.
5. Strategically place Bounce fabric softener to boat.
6. Fill the tires 4 pounds over cold maximum pressure.
7. Pull all electronics and trolling motors to a warm storage place.
8. Clean all battery terminals after charging and pulling out the batteries for winter storage. Check trim fluid levels. (Note: many people with built in battery chargers leave batteries plugged in.)
9. Remove fire extinguisher.
10. Fog the cylinders manually (Note: Those with OptiMax motors may not want to do this).
11. Pump RV antifreeze thru all pumps, bilge and recirculaters.
12. Clean, Vacuum. I cover mine. Empty all storage compartments so no odors get absorbed.
13. Prop open all compartments.
14. Lift the front of the boat/trailer and put a block under it.
15. Take out all of the gear so you can sharpen, dry, clean, fix, lube, or replace it over the winter.
16. Back-off the drags on all reels.
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| Dennis... Personally, I strongly advise simply purchasing a new boat each fall and skip all that work.  |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | any more ideas |
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| Just curious why opti owners should not fog their motors? |
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| Store in heated garage will reduce some of the task listed above. |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Guest - 11/15/2004 4:17 PM
Just curious why opti owners should not fog their motors?
Taken from Mercury web page........
Storage Seal Rust Inhibitor uses a thick base designed to protect the internal engine surfaces. In some applications we have seen a build up of the thick base inside the injectors, causing the injectors to stick or operate incorrectly. On these models we recommend Quickleen and 2-cycle engine oil as a replacement for Storage Seal Rust Inhibitor. Quickleen is used to clean the injectors. The engine oil lubricates, as well as prevents rust from forming. We continue to recommend Fuel System Treatment and Stabilizer to help prevent the formation of varnish and/or gum in the gasoline. Always follow the storage procedures outlined in your Operation, Maintenance & Warranty Manual or Service Manual. |
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Member
Posts: 3899
| Don't stop using the boat through winter! Then you don't have to do anything, but fish! Right, Dennis?
Shelbyville last week of Dec! |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | You're on Buddy.
WHAT'S UP THIS WEEKEND?
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Member
Posts: 3899
| Deer gun opener. Eric has to get a doe first thing, and then I'll just sit back and wait for a good buck. If anything less shows, he'll be on deck. |
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| What is the bounce fabric softener for? |
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Member
Posts: 2393
Location: Waukesha Wisconsin | Bounce fabric softener is supposed to keep the rodents away. Nothing is worst than have mice eat through your electronic wiring or bed down in the upholstery. |
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| Wow, I never even thought about the rodents. Thanks a bunch to all of you for your suggestions. |
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| Change oil and oil filter for four stroke owners. I put in old plugs and use them to start the motor in the spring. They get the oil fouling and then I put in new plugs. |
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Member
Posts: 5
| All good ideas I like to take the prop off to make sure there is no line raped up behind the prop. It's a good time to get your prop touched up for kicks for river fishermen. |
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Winterizing the Boat