02-18-2003, 10:48 PM
[#0000ff][size 2]Open all storage compartments to the air.
Drain all livewells, bilges, etc.
Using compressed air, blow out all drains.
Leave plug out, and tilt so it drains toward the rear.
Take out batteries and store on wood in basement. Charge them a couple of times during the winter (with ventilation).
Take out electronics (those with LCD like fish-finder and GPS) and store indoors.
Take out tackle boxes, rods, etc., so you can endlessly sort and fondle them all winter long.
Change lube in lower unit.
Put stabilizer in remaining fuel, and run engine long enough (in the water) to get stabilized fuel up into carbs.
Run fogging oil into engine.
Disconnect fuel line from engine.
Pull all plugs, squirt fogging oil into cylinders, hand-rotate motor a few turns.
Lower outboard to vertical position so water drains from around prop, etc. Leave it vertical.
Even if you have a canvas cover, "tent" one of those cheap plastic tarps over the whole rig so it sheds snow. (But don't try to make it airtight.. you want it to breathe to avoid mildew, etc.)[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 2]Release the pressure on bow and stern tie downs to relieve stress on the hull while it’s stored for long periods.
Put the trailer up on blocks (optional). Those cold winters coupled with the boat not moving for months can result in flat spots on the trailer tires. You only need to get the weight off the tires.
Repack the trailer bearings, change the lower unit lube, and the rest of the minor jobs before it gets too cold to work on them. With the on-board charging system, I don't pull the batteries. Also, completely fill or empty all gas tanks.[/size][/#0000ff]
Drain all livewells, bilges, etc.
Using compressed air, blow out all drains.
Leave plug out, and tilt so it drains toward the rear.
Take out batteries and store on wood in basement. Charge them a couple of times during the winter (with ventilation).
Take out electronics (those with LCD like fish-finder and GPS) and store indoors.
Take out tackle boxes, rods, etc., so you can endlessly sort and fondle them all winter long.
Change lube in lower unit.
Put stabilizer in remaining fuel, and run engine long enough (in the water) to get stabilized fuel up into carbs.
Run fogging oil into engine.
Disconnect fuel line from engine.
Pull all plugs, squirt fogging oil into cylinders, hand-rotate motor a few turns.
Lower outboard to vertical position so water drains from around prop, etc. Leave it vertical.
Even if you have a canvas cover, "tent" one of those cheap plastic tarps over the whole rig so it sheds snow. (But don't try to make it airtight.. you want it to breathe to avoid mildew, etc.)[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 2]Release the pressure on bow and stern tie downs to relieve stress on the hull while it’s stored for long periods.
Put the trailer up on blocks (optional). Those cold winters coupled with the boat not moving for months can result in flat spots on the trailer tires. You only need to get the weight off the tires.
Repack the trailer bearings, change the lower unit lube, and the rest of the minor jobs before it gets too cold to work on them. With the on-board charging system, I don't pull the batteries. Also, completely fill or empty all gas tanks.[/size][/#0000ff]