First Time Winterizing My Toon...

[mayorjones]

Hey' guys -

Winter is fast approaching here in Iowa (snow flurries today - YUCK!). Wondering, outside of motor winterizing that I will go through with the folks I just bought my Bigfoot from, what I will want to do for winterizing. I'm planning to store it in a non-heated shed. It has a full cover so that should be fine. Just wondering outside of taking out the stuff that will freeze and the battery if there is anything else that the pontoon would appreciate over a long, midwest winter.

Thanks!
Dwight

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: First Time Winterizing My Toon...

Make sure to tilt the motor to the down position to drain any water.
Change the gear lube just in case there may be any water in the gear case.
put Stabil in the gas and run the motor on the muffs long enough to get it through the carbs.
You can buy fogging spray at Napa or any boat supply or dealer.
With the motor running spray it down the carbs until the motor chokes out or starts to stumble.
Remove the battery and give it a charge every month or so..
Should be good to go come Spring..

 

[lakerunner696]

Re: First Time Winterizing My Toon...

To keep varmints out use bounce dryer sheets or mothballs. I prefer mothballs for winter storage as they last the longest. Dryer sheets in summer to keep mud daubers and spiders at bay

 

[nhtrax]

Re: First Time Winterizing My Toon...

I to was wondering about moth balls but never heard of the bounce trick problay alittle more pleasant for any people around

 

[ametcalf]

Re: First Time Winterizing My Toon...

Just a thought, although I have had an old pontoon for many years I still don't know much. I don't know if it is neccessary but I take the two plugs (1 each) out of the pontoons so that the temperature changes experienced during the winter don't flex the skin of the pontoons. I'd be interested in anyone else's feelings about this.