Starting a boat after winterizing

P

pckeen

Commander
Joined
Jun 20, 2012
Messages
2,067
Hello Everyone,

So I winterized the boat last year (4 Stroke Yamaha F90) (new lower unit oil, new oil and filter, drained the vapor separator, fogged the cylinders, put a can of seafoam in the gas). Is there anything special I should do when starting it up again, or just plug everything in and go?

With previous motors, I've just started them up, waited for the smoke to die down, and left onto the lake, but this is a newer motor (2 years old now), and the first year I have used it after a winter....so given it's new to me, I wanted to check to see if there was anything else I should do.
 
Last edited:
WIMUSKY

WIMUSKY

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Staff member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
20,314
Re: Starting a boat after winterizing

Just crank it up. I always run it on muffs at home before bringing it to the lake with the cowling off, just in case....... Top it off with fresh fuel, depending how you stored it.....
 
blackhawk180

blackhawk180

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
367
Re: Starting a boat after winterizing

WIMUSKY said:
Just crank it up. I always run it on muffs at home before bringing it to the lake with the cowling off, just in case....... Top it off with fresh fuel, depending how you stored it.....
Click to expand...
Agree completely with the 'running on muffs at home'. I've seen too many boats not start after launching, especially the first trip of the year. Ruins the owners day and usually a bunch of other folks trying to use the ramp.
Sounds like you did a good job of winterizing so if your battery(s) were stored properly, there should be no problem.
 
C

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,552
Re: Starting a boat after winterizing

Run it up to operating temperature and observe it. check alternator and water pump belts, wring and anything else you can. Make sure everything is working properly, before shutting her down and launching.

I have had most of my issues upon first start of the season. Not sure why that was, but it was much better that way, as they are much easier to fix at home, on the trailer.

One time after shutting her down after initial start up, an alternator diode decided to short. Had smoke pouring out of the engine compartment. Another time she hydrolocked suddenly, due to manifold to riser gasket failure. Much better that it happened on the hose as it was fresh water.
 
tazrig

tazrig

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 20, 2012
Messages
1,752
Re: Starting a boat after winterizing

You might want to check the spark plugs to see if you need new ones or not. Go by your manual or if they're really dirty.
 
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