What to do for winter storage

[midnight1957]

Hi, I live in the midlands of SC and I bought a pontoon in late summer. I have been doing some things to it to get it ready for use before winter comes but now we have discovered my wife has stage 3 breast cancer so now the pontoon is on hold until next year.
I need to drain my fuel tank (fuel was old anyway) so what do I do for winter storage besides emptying the fuel tank? Do I need to run anything through the engine before storage if so what and where do I find it? My motor is a 1995 Mercury Tracker 40 hp. Also is there anything that would have water in it that I would need to drain?
Thanks for all of your help ahead of time and please remember my wife in your prayers.

Wade

 

[Big Bubba]

Re: What to do for winter storage

MidNight 1957,
Sorry to read about your wife. Will keep her in our prayers and hope for the best for her. For your pontoon boat, I would change the lower unit gear lube and put fresh gear lube and make sure you install new washers for both the drain and fill vent screws/plugs. make sure you fogg the motor and run fuel stabilizer in your fuel to keep the fuel fresh throughout the winter, grease all of your zerk grease fittings, clean the trash, if any, out of the boat, put the cover/tarp over here to keep the weather off the vinyl and carpet as much as you can. Remove the battery/batteries and store them in the garage or shed and periodically apply a charge to them in the winter time to keep them fresh. That is what I would do. Maybe I forgot something and the experts will chime in here and let you know if I have forgotten anything. Take care and will pray for your wife, Bob

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What to do for winter storage

Drain and refill the lower unit lube. Before you drain the tank, add a fuel system stabilizer like Stabil or SeaFoam. Then, using a flushing device, hook up a garden hose and run the engine to ensure the stabilizer has been run through the entire fuel system. Store the boat with the engine full down. They are self draining. Remove the battery and store it inside in a cool place. Charge it once a month or so to keep it topped off. Stabil and SeaFoam are available at any better auto parts store.

 

[midnight1957]

Re: What to do for winter storage

Thanks guys, that is what I will do and then wait until next year. Also thanks for your comments and prayers for my wife.

Wade

 

[Big Bubba]

Re: What to do for winter storage

Midnight157,
Not a problem. Yeap, your wife is going to need you through this. I know I have had similiar issues with my wife and we have made it through but I will always stick with my wife no matter what is thrown at me becuase she is alwaysthere for me when I have needed her. Take care and your pontoon boat, as long as you take care of her, will always be waiting for you to take her out on the water. Good luck to you and your wife

 

[KC4YIN]

Re: What to do for winter storage

Basically what "Big Bubba" and others have said. My wife had the same thing back in 2002. She is now cancer free. The boat will only take you an afternoon to get ready for winter.Do what the guys above said, you'll be fine. Our best to your wife.