Winterizing

[BarryBum]

It will not be long until it will be time to put my boat up for the winter. This is my first boat and I do not know what I need to do to winterize it. It is a 15 foot bowrider with a 1972 model Johnson 100 hp outboard. any ideas will be appreciated.

 

[Jon1448]

Re: Winterizing

Stabil in the gas & run through motor.<br />Change out lower gear oil.<br />use some Fogging oil (directions on fogger container).<br />Lube linkages.<br />Clean her up.

 

[Zebramidge]

Re: Winterizing

What about draining cooling system. My manual instructs to pull petcocks and drain all water to avoid freeze damage to motor. OMC 115 i/o.

 

[mako]

Re: Winterizing

Also I'd always spray a thin coat of WD-40 on all metal parts inside of the cover.

 

[mako]

Re: Winterizing

Zeb you are right on target with an I/O. On my mercruiser I/O I took off the housing where the thermostat is and filled the block with a mixture of antifreeze. Did this for three seasons never a problem. I'd take out the thermostat put in anti freeze and replace thermostat in spring. I think they also sell a tank that you fill with anti freeze it hooks up like the muffs and sucks the coolant into the engine.

 

[martinwinte]

Re: Winterizing

My manual also recomends pulling petcocks and draining....then it also says (if you want to be sure) to <br />a) remove t-stat<br />b)remove hose from end cap manifold<br />c)pour antifreeze solution in t-stat hole till head and block are full<br />d)pour anti-freeze sol. in front manifold cap till manifold is full (kinda important...when I got my boat the manifold was cracked)<br />e) reinstall t-stat and manifold en cap hose<br /><br />(then of course change oil, stern drive lube, ect...)<br /><br />Also when using anti freeze....I use rv type non-toxic to humans, animals, fish...