Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

[BeaufortTJustice]

I am new to boat ownership as well as to this forum. I have read 95% of the threads concerning winterization (how-to, technical info, etc.) but have not come across anything that addresses whether or not it is necessary under certain condidtions...

I live in central South Carolina. My boat will be in an attached garaged over the winter months. It is not heated, however, it very rarely gets cold enough for long enough for the garage temp to drop below freezing. What are some opinions regarding whether I should do a "full" winterization, or is there some "in-between" steps that will suffice, or can I get away with not doing anything?

I am contemplating just treating the gas and running the engine on water ears every 2-4 weeks during that time to keep everything lubricated and fresh. I will drain the water out after each time.

What is everybody's thoughts on this...risky, or should it be fine. What do others do that live in moderate climates? Any input would be much appreciated.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

I personally would never risk something like that. Its takes all of an hour or so to drain the block, treat the gas, and fog the engine. Should probably change the oil in the lower unit too.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

it very rarely gets cold enough for long.
I will drain the water out after each time.

Ayuh,... It's only gotta Freeze, Once... then the motor is Junk...

As long as the motor is Drained, DRY.... Everything else is negotiable....

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

Good point, Bond-o. You got me thinking...what if I'm away for the weekend and a cold snap hits...I don't want to be a slave to the weather report...constantly worrying.

Thank you for the reality check.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

I'm in Greenville, S.C. and I just leave my motor on the muffs and start it up every week or so to run for 10 minutes. The water drains out of motor after running and so far no problems with freezing and it gets pretty darn cold here in the winter. I do drain the carbs several times per year just to be sure. Also I use Stabil Marine in the fuel. My motor is a 1999 Yamaha 90HP 2 stroke and I've had no problems at all so far. Of course I drain and refill lower unit every year. If I was going to just let the motor sit there all winter then I'd definitely use the fogging oil through the carbs for corrosion prevention. Good Luck!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

Outboards drain themselves. This topic is about winterizing an I/O configured boat, way different.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

Outboards drain themselves. This topic is about winterizing an I/O configured boat, way different.

Ayuh,.... Night, an' Day Different....

 

[Snobike Mike]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

I'm in Greenville, S.C. and I just leave my motor on the muffs and start it up every week or so to run for 10 minutes. The water drains out of motor after running and so far no problems with freezing and it gets pretty darn cold here in the winter.

Lol, Cold winters in SC? I'll trade you any day of the winter for one of your cold winter days.

I'm curious why even run the motor. It probably doesn't get up to full operating temp running just 10 minutes on the muffs. I would just fog the cylinders and leave it until you're out boating again (which will be months before I'll be )

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

Winterization is also used as a good excuse to perform other maintenance, especially engine and outdrive oil changes. A side benefit is that you also remove any moisture from those fluids prior to a long layup and the potential for freezing.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

If you are keeping it inside, then aside from changing the LU oil, I would be sure to drain the engine or fill it with Antifreeze, fog it and you should be good.

 

[bds85466]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

There's a forum master who has a quote below all his posts -- something to the effect of:

why is there never time to do it right the first time, but always time to do it again...

a little help on that one?...

you get the idea...

 

[Apollo75]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

I am new to boat ownership as well as to this forum. I have read 95% of the threads concerning winterization (how-to, technical info, etc.) but have not come across anything that addresses whether or not it is necessary under certain condidtions...

I live in central South Carolina. My boat will be in an attached garaged over the winter months. It is not heated, however, it very rarely gets cold enough for long enough for the garage temp to drop below freezing. What are some opinions regarding whether I should do a "full" winterization, or is there some "in-between" steps that will suffice, or can I get away with not doing anything?

I am contemplating just treating the gas and running the engine on water ears every 2-4 weeks during that time to keep everything lubricated and fresh. I will drain the water out after each time.

What is everybody's thoughts on this...risky, or should it be fine. What do others do that live in moderate climates? Any input would be much appreciated.

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Since you have asked for opinions, I feel a full winterization with antifreeze along with battery removal to a place where it can be charged every 30-to-60 days is the way to go.

Concerning others' opinions on winterization ---- this I feel is a personal choice.

Rust will continue in the presence of oxygen, and as iron / steel rusts and flakes it exposes the metal beneath to oxygen which continues the process. Also, in a boat concerning engines and exhaust manifolds moisture exacerbates this problem.

At the least, I have always reconnected all hoses and used some WD-40 ( WD stands for water-displacing ) spray on exposed metal surfaces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40

Enjoy

OFM
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aristotle said: ?The trained mind should not expect more precision than the
subject matter allows.?

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Opinions on whether to fully "winterize" or not

Thanks to all that have offered their advice on the matter. Based on the input received, I have decide to fully follow the winterizing instructions from Volvo-Penta, including changing the oil and filter, fuel filter, draining water and replacing with antifreeze, LU fluid change, "pickling" the engine and fuel system with 50:1 and stabilizer. Better safe than sorry. I cannot afford to do major engine repairs in the spring.

Thanks again to all that have replied. This is a great forum.