SlipperySlope
07.05.2021 6:39:25
Make sure to add some STA-BIL to the gas to keep it fresh while it sits for a few months. Stick to Marine STA-BIL like this stuff on Amazon (Amazon Link Ad).
See full version: Do Jet Boats Need To Be Winterized; How To Winterize
Make sure to add some STA-BIL to the gas to keep it fresh while it sits for a few months. Stick to Marine STA-BIL like this stuff on Amazon (Amazon Link Ad).
All boats use lake or ocean water to cool the engine.
With the boat on land, make sure to take the drain plugs out. I’ve seen people not do this and have the boat sink on land. Keep in mind boats are like a giant bucket, so rainwater can fill up the hull if you don’t take the drain plugs out. Just make sure to put them back in before going into the water.
I also like to spray down the whole engine compartment with WD-40. This is to stop corrosion but also to keep mice away. They like the taste of rubber but not the taste of the WD-40. Plus, it makes it too slippery for them.
E3 spark Plugs offers tips to winterize your boat so you can hit the water hard come springtime.
If you’re a hard-core duck hunter, you can skip this E3 Spark Plugs blog post seeing how you’re probably in your boat with a site line on a feathered target right now. Otherwise, your boat is likely out of the water and out of mind. Come springtime, you might wish we weren’t right about that “out of mind” part. Lucky for you, we’ve got some great tips for winterizing your boat and motor so you can hit the water hard first thing this spring.
Head
Your holding tank should be pumped out at an approved facility. Use a bowl cleaner and add fresh water to the bowl flushing several times before completing the pumping process. Add antifreeze recommended by your boat’s manufacturer and pump through hoses, tank, valves, macerator and discharge hose. here
Hull
This is a good time to pressure wash your hull and decks, checking all surfaces for cracks or damage. Clean all thru-hull hoses and strainers. Seacocks should be opened to drain all water and returned to the closed position. The hull should be checked for blisters. Should you find any blisters, you may want to open them so they’ll drain over the winter. [links]
Bilges
Make certain that all bilges are clean and dry. Use hot water and soap with a stiff brush to clean up any oil or residue. Once clean, spray with a moisture displacing lubricant and add a little antifreeze to prevent any remaining or subsequent water from freezing. more
Interior
Electronics, PFDs, fire extinguishers, flares, first aid kits and other valuables should be removed and examined for wear or the need for replacement or refurbishment. Remove cushions and store them in a climate-control environment or turn them up on edge to allow air to circulate to prevent mildew. On large boats with a cabin, install a dehumidifier or an odor/moisture absorber product to prevent mildew. Clean and leave the door open on the refrigerator. Open and clean all storage areas, drawers and lockers. [links]
Fresh water system
If you have a large boat with a freshwater holding tank, it should be drained completely, and the hot water heater as well. Check your owner’s manual to be certain that alcohol-based products will not damage your water system. Once you’ve received confirmation, the hot water heater should be isolated by disconnecting the "in" and "out" lines and joining them together. Once this is accomplished, open all faucets, shower and wash-down areas and pump non-toxic antifreeze into the system. Observe these openings until you see the antifreeze coming out and close all openings. Non-toxic antifreeze should also be installed in the water heater. [links]
Hopefully the OP did "dodge a bullet." But as mentioned above, I too would be concerned as to what I did wrong with my winterizing process.
Hopefully the OP did "dodge a bullet." But as mentioned above, I too would be concerned as to what I did wrong with my winterizing process. more
But yeah you can just replace the freeze/core plug and hope that is all. [links]
Jeesh, you guys are slipping.
Due to the fact that they have been called that by near everyone for so long (even parts stores, engine builders etc) - that's just how most people understand/reference them.
Why you may ask. The "initial" purpose of the hole was to facilitate casting. The "current function" of the softer metal plug is not only to fill the hole yet help protect the block from inadvertent cracking due to swelling ice/freezing. Hence the name/reference to "freeze plug." more
its best to take the hose off anyway even if it has a power steering cooler drain plug. That's my thoughts anyway. [links]
Re: Winterizing Mercruiser 5.0, drain plugs
Re: Winterizing Mercruiser 5.0, drain plugs
Re: Winterizing Mercruiser 5.0, drain plugs
Re: Winterizing Mercruiser 5.0, drain plugs [links]
Re: Winterizing Mercruiser 5.0, drain plugs here