Off-season needs?

[Trim]

My first season as a boat owner was successful but it's coming to an end. Was a blast and glad I joined the boat club.
My question is now that the season is coming to an end what do I need to do to take care of my boat? I know I need to winterize the boat but are there any other things that everyone does each off season? Any and all ideas welcomed!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Off-season needs?

Glad you had fun.

There are dozens of things people do with their boats off season. The things that are necessary entail protection from weather/temperature, and that is first driven by location and second by the unknown word "boat."

So what are your details? Without them no answer can fit your situation except by dumb luck. One guy will talk about ice, another about mice. I don't have either to worry about. Shrink wrap/heated garage/outside uncovered--all are viable.

 

[Don S]

Re: Off-season needs?

I know I need to winterize the boat

You said that like it was a minor thing. Depending on what you have for power, not winterizing properly can mean $$$$thousands$$$$ in the spring if you do it wrong.

 

[Trim]

Re: Off-season needs?

I know winterizing is very important.

Details: I live in Oklahoma, the boat will be stored under my house carport which will be completely covered on two sides, I have morning covers for the boat but I am thinking about getting a full cover for more protection. Is this what you mean by details?

Seems like I've read somewhere to lower the trim when storing over winter. Is that correct?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Off-season needs?

what's a boat?

 

[Trim]

Re: Off-season needs?

A boat is*a vessel for transport by water or used for fishing and or recreation.

 

[Fish Lip Ripper]

Re: Off-season needs?

It appears from the sig tag it is a 2009 Rinker MTX 210.
On edit:
I am interested as well, first boat and season here too.
I hope to use my "floating vessel" this winter if weather allows, so my winterizing will be minimal
(Fredericksburg, VA)

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Off-season needs?

Post what you have year,make,model and what engine and outdrive or outboard then go get a service manual for engine and outdrive or outboard and read it cover to cover but the year make and model will get yo allot more info quicker along with what climate you live in.

 

[emoney]

Re: Off-season needs?

I usually buy more gas for mine. OH, if it gets below 60, I will zip in the curtains and break out the hooded sweatshirt. Outside of that, pretty much business as usuall.

Wait.....you don't live in Florida south of the freeze line, do you? Nevermind.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Off-season needs?

I know winterizing is very important.

Details: I live in Oklahoma, the boat will be stored under my house carport which will be completely covered on two sides, I have morning covers for the boat but I am thinking about getting a full cover for more protection. Is this what you mean by details?
Seems like I've read somewhere to lower the trim when storing over winter. Is that correct?

I hope you realize that "Winterizing" is a lot more than lowering the Drive and putting on a "Mooring" cover.

Back in the 70'S, I was stationed for 3 years in Wichita, not too far across the state line from you.
I recall the winters were brutal. The wind was the killer.
If you didn't close the air vents in your car when you parked it, you would have snow on the dash!
And you needed to make sure the drivers side was parked upwind because the down wind side inevitable became part of a 4 foot snow drift.

Winterizing Typically involves, as a minimum ...
The Engine Oil will be changed.
The lower drive Lube will be changed.
The Engine Manifolds will be sprayed with Fogging Oil.
Some people remove the Out drive and store it separate from the hull
ALL water from the engine will be drained, and replaced with RV Anti-Freeze an/or air.
(Argument ensues!)

This is not a 10 minute job!
Doing it wrong could cost you Thousands $$$ in the spring. (Read: Destroyed Engine!)
Having a marina do it for you also doesn't guarantee it was done correctly either.