Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

Unfortunately my boat has to be stored outside (my wife actually offered her half of the garage BUT that would entail an unspoken but nevertheless real very high cost down the road )

It's an outboard fish-n-ski, 27 years old, and not worth a ton of money. However it floats, it's paid for, and I've put a ton of work into getting it into good shape and I'd like to keep her that way.

When storing outdoors does it make a big difference if the outboard is up or down? The reason this comes up is that the cover I just got will only fit if the engine is up. I'll be using the boat year round, although we will see some occasional freezing temperatures in the winter (northern Georgia).

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

I usually store it down, I don't like to keep the tilt trim extended for long periods of time. This is a good question though like to see what other people say.

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

Down.
2 reasons:
- so water doesn't get trapped in the gearcase and (potentially) freeze
- so the tilt rams are compressed and not exposed to the elements (and rust)

Now for your purposes, there IS a way to store with the engine up and still prevent freezing- this assumes you do a proper winterization.
First, with the motor tilted, pour a little antifreeze into the hub. After letting it sit for a few minutes, put the motor down. Make SURE the gearcase and prop hub are completely drained, then tilt the motor up. Wrap them tightly in a plastic bag so rainwater can't get in. That's it.
I used to do this with my old stern drive boat because when I raised the bow enough to promote drainage, the outdrive would hit the ground.

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

what arks said

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

I store mine up this alows me to get the bow high as possible for runoff and for the winter my drive goes into the house.

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

If at all possible, store with the motor down for the reasons already mentioned. As for your boat cover not fitting this way, put it on with cover going in front of the motor. If a little water gets in the splashwell it won't hurt. You can get a motor cover for about $15 if you want.

Re: Boat Storage - Outboard Up or Down

I store all mine down including my I/O.