The best place for your boat during the winter is out of the water, under cover. Whether on a lift or on a trailer on your driveway, make sure your boat is covered with a tarp or fitted boat cover. If you must leave your boat in the water over the winter, be sure to close all seacocks and gate valves in order to protect the thru-hulls.
You should check your owner's manual of your boat for information on winterizing, but here is some basic information:
Fuel: Fill your fuel tank to avoid a build up of condensation over the winter months. (Condensation can lead to corrosion and clogging.) Add a fuel stabilizer. Change the fuel filter and water separators.
Inboard Engine: First, change the oil (best done when the engine is warm, so that impurities in the oil are drained away.) Change the oil filters. Then flush the engine with fresh water. Circulate antifreeze through the manifold by using a pickup hose from the waterpump to a bucket of antifreeze. Check the fluid in the tranmission.
When an engine is not being used, oil tends to settle at the bottom, exposing pistons and valves to air and humidity, which can cause corrosion. To avoid this, remove the spark plugs and spray "fogging oil" inside the carburetor. Then, clean and replace the spark plugs.
Replace ethe engine's old gear oil with fresh oil. You can dispose of any used oil at an authorized recycling center.
Outboard Engines: Flush the engine with fresh water. Let all water drain from the engine. Disconnect the fuel hose and run the engine until it stops. Make sure all fuel is drained from the carburetor. Use fogging oil in the cylinders. Change the gear oil in the lower unit.
Interior: Open all drawers and bins and clean thoroughly. Leave refrigerators, hatches, etc. open so that air can circulate. Of course, make sure to remove any food, valuables, and flammables. If possible, bring cushions and life jackets inside. At the very least, turn cushions up on ends to prevent growth of mildew. You can also use moister absorber products such as "Damp Away" to absorb excess moisture while your boat is under wraps for the winter.
If this all sounds intimidating to you, you can take your boat to a marine service center and and they'll do it all for you. Visit my website for a list of local Lake Wylie Boat Service and Repair.
Whatever option you choose, do not neglect this maintenance chore. When that first beautiful spring day arrives, you want to be enjoying your boat on the lake. You don't want to spend that gorgeous day joining the long waiting list who need boat repairs because they didn't get around to properly winterizing their boats!
Disclaimer: The author is not responsible for damage or injuries that may occur as a result of this information.
Visit my website for Lake Wylie waterfront real estate property searches, helpful information for waterfront residents, Lake Wylie links and community information.
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