Winterize boat

Smoke314

Cadet
Joined
Oct 16, 2020
Messages
15
I have a 1989 18ft fiberglass bass tracker with a 150 johnson gt motor. What should i do to protect it in the cold weather,i still use it every few weeks if it gets a lil warmer out.
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
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Mar 8, 2009
Messages
42,311
Using it every few weeks I wouldn't do much if anything
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
27,953
Make sure the motor is stored gearcase down to allow all water to drain from the powerhead. Trickle charge the battery to keep it charged. Grease the steering and swivel and trim fittings.

Before it gets cold, drain and refill the gearcase oil. if it is milky looking, it has water in it and you need to replace the gearcase seals if you want to use it over the winter. if you do not repair the seals, the water in the gear oil could freeze and crack the gearcase.
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
16,150
Evrything had new grease and oil put in when i bought it 2 months ago
Doesn’t matter......if the boat has been in the water the lower unit oil needs at a minimum, to checked for moisture.
Best just to change it and start anew.

I start using stabilizer in the fuel once it starts getting cold. Never know when old man weather will shut me down till Spring
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
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Jul 23, 2011
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49,856
I have a 1989 18ft fiberglass bass tracker with a 150 johnson gt motor. What should i do to protect it in the cold weather,i still use it every few weeks if it gets a lil warmer out.
keep motor stored DOWN
keep plug out.
keep boat covered
 
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