are differences between the different
makes and models so you’ll want
to consult your owner’s manual.
In most cases you’ll also need to
remove block plugs (which allows
water to drain from the engine and
also helps remove sediments and
scale that can gather inside).
On top of that, you’ll want to
make a thorough inspection of
exposed hoses, clamps, the bellows,
and other parts that may show
wear after a long season of use.
Stern drives will also need that
fogging treatment. And remember
to bring the engine up to operating
temperature before fogging it,
to “cook” out any moisture that
may remain in the engine.
What about those ever-important
oil changes? Yes, this is the time to
take that step with a stern drive, too.
How to Winterize an
Inboard Engine
Inboards require a treatment
similar to that of stern-drives, though
you can eliminate the drive system
from the equation. The engine can
be drained by opening petcocks
or removing plugs, or you can run
antifreeze through the system (which
is usually the preferred method).
In some cases, however, inboard
boats remain in the water for the
winter. In this case, in order to run
antifreeze through the system you’ll
need to close the intake seacock and
remove the intake hose from it.
Then you’ll want to submerge
the end of the hose in a bucket of
(environmentally safe) antifreeze and
run the engine until the antifreeze
comes out the exhaust ports.
Be sure to bring the engine up to
operating temperature before running
antifreeze through, because otherwise
the thermostat will block the flow to
some cooling passages until the engine
is up to operating temperature.
As with other engines: inboards also
need a dose of fogging before a winter
lay-up, this is the ideal time for an oil
change, and a visual inspection should
be made to identify any pieces or parts
that may be in need to replacement.
How to Winterize
the Fuel System
No matter what sort of boat you
have, all gasoline fuel systems will
need some individual attention.
First and most important:
dose the fuel tanks with a quality
fuel-stabilizing additive.
Winterizing with ethanol blended
fuel in your tanks can be disastrous
LAKE WEDOWEE LIFE 27