Didn't winterize, went to start for the first time...

[nola mike]

So last season, kept on meaning to go fishing one last time. Wife was pregnant, I looked up and it was January. Normally for layup I run the tank down a bit, put stabil in it, fog the engine, change oil, pull outdrive and drain oil, bring battery inside and trickle charge, change the plugs, and drain the water. This year I only did thelast item on the list and filled the tank prior to starting. Cranked it for 30 seconds, nothing. Pumped the throttle a couple of times...and it started right up, ran smooth. This is the first season (it's my fifth with the boat) I haven't had a significant issue to start the season. Maybe I'm on to something?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Didn't winterize, went to start for the first time...

Yea, I don't do all that end-of-season maintenance stuff either . . . some of it, but not as much as some folks do . . . Generally, the boat will start come spring time . . . (knock on wood !?!?) . . . . then I take care of the stuff that needs attention . . . oil changes, tune-ups, new this new that, etc.

 

[SSTKO81]

Re: Didn't winterize, went to start for the first time...

Just my 2 cents but it really depends on how cold it gets and where you store your boat. If, like me, you have to keep it in the back yard and oklahoma weather tends to go from freezing, to 80, back to freezing; I'd suggest doing a full winterization. Fog it, drain the water, flush antifreeze thru, stabil the tank. -I only drop the water pump and change the drive oil every 2nd year because I don't put that many hours on it.
As the old saying goes "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Didn't winterize, went to start for the first time...

I know a few boat owners here in "The frozen tundra" who do the same...no issues.
Myself, I'm an "empty tanker", or as close as possible. I've started engines on gas 9 months old with no issues. Too much paranoia in this arena nowdays. This goes for boats, snowmobiles, tractors etc...no need for StaBil.
Don't fog engines either. No need if they're simply sitting for a few months. As far as the plugs? Don't know why anyone would change plugs in a 4cycle engine every year if they're in good condition. As long as there's no water intrusion, and/or excessive hours, oil changes can also be extended beyond what many here believe.