Winter storage questions.

[tractoman]

Is it OK to winterize by only draining fluids from the block, manifolds and power steering cooler and not filling with anti freeze? Secondly, I understand it is best to keep the OD down to relieve strain on the bellows when it is stored. I can only lower it to where the trim up cutout stops raising the outrdive as if I were on the water due to cranking the trailer higher in the front to allow moisture to drain out the stern. Obvously it is much lower then in trailer or full up position. Is this OK or should I dig a hole for the skeg so drop into in the ground.
Thanks,

 

[SeanT]

Re: Winter storage questions.

I've never done this, but I'm told if you just drain the block AND leave all the plugs out, you'll be fine. (In general everyone here will disagree with this, but I know lots of people that do this with very expensive boats and get away with it - of course they need to remember to reinstall the plugs next season).

But, I don't like doing that, so I'd rather just drain and flush and leave all plugs in so that it's closer to being ready next season.

As far as the skeg - lower the leg until it's resting on the ground. That will take the strain off.

Also make sure the plug is out and your hitch is elevated to drain out. (EDIT: you already said that)

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Winter storage questions.

Is it OK to winterize by only draining fluids from the block, manifolds and power steering cooler and not filling with anti freeze? Secondly, I understand it is best to keep the OD down

It is BEST to remove the drive for the winter but if you choose to leave it on then down is good.It does not have to be all the way down.Too far is not good.Rewgular running position or a little higher.Charlie

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Winter storage questions.

I like that trench idea. Dig it deep enough to allow the the drive to sit in what would be a normal, "neutral" trim position -- not up or down. This will depend on the angle of the boat, of course and also assumes a covered shelter that's not going to fill with snow, water and ice and freeze your skeg into the dirt. I also wouldn't let it rest on the ground enough to take any weight.

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Winter storage questions.

well, my local dealer winterizes the alpha drive boats by just draining the block/ manifolds.... and has never had a problem in 30 years....

That is the way i'll be doing it... (after the oil change of course).... also i will be removing the drive for winter to allow to check the bellows and u joing and engine alingnment..... then i will store the drive in the garage...

The boat will be shrinkwrapped outside.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Winter storage questions.

Is it OK to winterize by only draining fluids from the block, manifolds and power steering cooler and not filling with anti freeze?

Ayuh,... It ain't about Fluids,... It's Water,... Drain All the Water,+ you'll have No problems...
Btw,... Pull the end of the Big Hose at the circulating waterpump too...

 

[superbenk]

Re: Winter storage questions.

I don't quite understand the antifreeze thing. Last I checked, air didn't freeze. Am I missing something?

 

[SeanT]

Re: Winter storage questions.

I guess the anti-freeze flush ensures that all water is out of the block. I've been told many times by people in climates where it freezes when winterizing RVs, etc, to not rely just on draining, always flush anti-freeze.