For those who use their boat year round and don't winterize

[rexmitchell]

I live in Texas, As of this afternoon I am still taking my boat out 2 times a week. So I am curious, If I want to run my boat all winter, or take it out at least 1 time a month do I need to winterize? I am not sure that I will continue to go out once it drops below 40 or so but for now I plan on going out until I can't stand it. So what are my options if I don't winterize. How do I avoid damaging my boat but still being able to use it. The boat is a 89 scarab with a 350 mag on it, and will be stored on a trailer when not in use, not on the lake. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: For those who use their boat year round and don't winterize

Winterization, is something that is done to store a boat for a long period of time.
If you want to use your boat year round, what you need to do is learn to drain the raw water cooling system on your engine and drive to prevent freeze damage.
Go up to the Adults only sticky at the top of this forum and download the OEM service manual for your engine. It explains how to drain the cooling system. With pictures.

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: For those who use their boat year round and don't winterize

Winterization, is something that is done to store a boat for a long period of time.
If you want to use your boat year round, what you need to do is learn to drain the raw water cooling system on your engine and drive to prevent freeze damage.
Go up to the Adults only sticky at the top of this forum and download the OEM service manual for your engine. It explains how to drain the cooling system. With pictures.

Thanks Don, I browsed through there a few days ago, I have a service manual, just didn't know if there was another way besides draining after each use.