winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

[bow wow rider]

i've been around boats for years but just bought my own this year. it's a 2004 four winns horizon 170 I/O with a 3.0 volvo penta SX.

i'm trying to decide whether to winterize it myself or pay a shop to do it.

i am mechanically inclined, do lots of work on our cars, etc, but i am nervous about winterizing the boat because of the consequences if i don't get all the water out.

i guess my question is this: is it easy to screw up winterization?

do you know of anyone who's tried to do it himself and ended up with a cracked block or other problems?

 

[bow wow rider]

winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

i've been around boats for years but just bought my own this year. it's a 2004 four winns horizon 170 I/O with a 3.0 volvo penta SX.

i'm trying to decide whether to winterize it myself or pay a shop to do it.

i am mechanically inclined, do lots of work on our cars, etc, but i am nervous about winterizing the boat because of the consequences if i don't get all the water out.

i guess my question is this: is it easy to screw up winterization?

do you know of anyone who's tried to do it himself and ended up with a cracked block or other problems?

 

[Brewman61]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

I do my own work, including winterization. If you're mechanically inclined, they you are probably capable of doing this yourself.
I live where it goes well below zero, and my boat is stored outside. So far, no problems with freeze damage.
I have an Alpha I Gen II drive, and no experience with the VP drives, so I don't know what is different between the two. 3
I spend about $100 per year to purchase the required fluids and filters, a bit more when I pull the outdrive like I will be doing this year. Dealers would charge me at least tripple that. But I spend the better part of a day on it.

What I'd suggest is that you get your hands on the winterization requirements for your motor/drive, and see if it's something you'd be comfortable doing. Also get some quotes from the people in your area that
provide winterization services, and see what kind of money you'd be spending.
Just make sure you know exactly what they'll do when they say winterize- the term isn't universally defined, and services seem to vary quite a bit.
Knowing what you'll need to spend may sway your decision on weather or not to DIY.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

You can do it. It's not that difficult. Like Brewman, I live where it gets -40. Never had a problem..... If you have a buddy or a famliy member that has an I/O, have them show you....

 

[6meter]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

You read about cracked blocks on here all the time. I think there is a sticky in the adults only section on winterizing. Follow it and you should be fine. Main thing is to make sure you get all the water out if it gets cold around your area. I've been doing my own since I was 11.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

Just make sure you dont miss any drain plugs and make sure a lot of water comes out. Always prob the holes with a piece of wire to make sure nothing is blocking the hole.

Get the manual from Volvo's website(its free). It has a section on winterizing.

 

[CaptainSkip]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

If you want to stimulate the economy, hire it out. Otherwise it's no harder than doing an oil change. Other things to do, stabilize the gas. fog the carb with oil to coat the rings while motors running, take out batteries and trickle charge. Use the pink anti freeze for water pipes, bilge pumps, etc. Write down a check list so you'll know what to do each winter.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

Please do not post the same topic in multiple forum sections. Your two threads have been merged.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

If you want to stimulate the economy, hire it out. Otherwise it's no harder than doing an oil change.


I respectfully disagree thats its as easy as an oil change. An oil change is part of the process but the rest of it is a bit more involved. I am afraid you may give the OP the idea thats its so simple he might overlook something. Yes its very much doable by a DIYr. And it should be done yourself-its all part of the fun ! It also helps you stay in tune to the condition of the whole power-plant and will just make you a more knowledgeable boater. And the thousands you save over the years will by allot of gas and steaks for the grill on the beach. Just do your homework and be thorough.

 

[bow wow rider]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

great, thanks everyone. looks like the shop wants to charge $300 for full winterization plus oil change. i'll go through some documentation on the VP and providing it's all within my abilities i'll do it myself. it's not really about the money for me, it's about getting comfortable and becoming familiar with the engine. and these projects can be a lot of fun.

 

[sethjon]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

You can do it. It's not that difficult. Like Brewman, I live where it gets -40. Never had a problem..... If you have a buddy or a famliy member that has an I/O, have them show you....

-40? A polar bear would not like that.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

-40? A polar bear would not like that.

Might explain the lack of polar bears around here!

 

[cpt ron jc]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

main thing is to make sure y get all the water out,drain plugs,i did mine last winter no problems,drain all hoses ,i poured anti freez right into the block,remove therm. and pour away takes around 4 gal.they charge around 150 to do it,fill fuel and stable gas done go for it.

 

[JoLin]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

I was in the same position as the OP last winter. I was concerned about it all Winter, but everything was fine in the Spring.

Follow V-P's instructions and you'll be fine.

BTW, I also carry a rider on my BoatUS insurance policy that covers the motor and drive in case of freeze damage. I think it costs $20/year

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: winterizing -- should i try to do it myself?

might explain the lack of polar bears around here!

l m f a o!!!