Proper preparation of the boat for the winter season allows finding the boat in great shape in the spring. The engine deserves special attention in order to avoid frost damage and corrosion.

First, be sure to read the owner's manual thoroughly to do the work according to the maintenance manual. Never operate your engine in the absence of water circulation in the gear case to prevent damage to the water pump and cause the engine to overheat in seconds.

Marine Mart suggests the following steps to store / winterize your boat. It is IMPORTANT to always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

The Engine Preparation :

Add a gasoline stabilizer to maintain the level of octane and prevent varnish formation in the fuel pump, fill the gas tank.

Add a water absorber, if necessary, in the fuel tank.

• Add a gasoline stabilizer to maintain the level of octane and prevent varnish formation in the fuel pump, fill the gas tank.
  

• Start the engine. Run the engine about 10 minutes. This will increase the fluidity of the engine oil; will allow the gas/fuel stabilizer to flow through the gasoline and to open the thermostat so that the antifreeze circulates in the water circuit.
  
  
• Stop the engine. Replace the water supply hose with the one on the winterizing kit that you'll have previously filled with non-flammable, non-toxic antifreeze. Make sure there is enough antifreeze for the engine running for at least 90 seconds. (Approximately 4 gallons).

• Remove the engine cover and the air filter if the engine has one.
  
  
• Restart the engine. The engine cooling conduit will now powered by antifreeze. While the engine is running, the engine cooling system discharges the water and replaces it with antifreeze. The mixture will become gradually concentrated antifreeze. After using the 3/4 antifreeze in the tank, proceed to the next step.

Spray fogging oil in each of the carburetor entries. When the engine lets out of the blue smoke, you can close the engine (for an injection engine, spray into the air inlet). Please note that some engines are equipped with a specific entree for the fogging oil.

• Loosen all the drains of the engine to discharge the antifreeze in the bilge
  
• Remove the spark plugs momentarily to spray fogging oil into each cylinder in order to protect corrosion of cylinders
  
  
• Now is the time to do the oil changes, filter housing, oil in the base, fuel and water separator filters.

Spray a corrosion inhibitor on all metal components of the engine. This product is a moisture repellent; it prevents corrosion, verdigris and rust from forming. This product will evaporate quickly under the heat of the motor when restarted in the spring.

Paint the base if necessary. Use of the zinc chromate primer.

Change the anodes (zincs or aluminum or magnesium) as needed.

• Perform a tune-up if necessary : Distributor, spikes, spinning, water pump, thermostat. Candles, they will be replaced in the spring after the restart

• Store or lock the base and the propeller (semi outboard).
  

Preparation of the boat :

Clean the hull, remove zebra mussels and silt.

Add non-toxic antifreeze in all plumbing lines of the boat. Circulate the non-toxic antifreeze in the bilge pump and aerator pump (if the boat is equipped with one). Circulate the non-toxic antifreeze in the toilet and septic tank.. Circulate the non-toxic antifreeze in the water tanks and run the taps and shower (s).

• Store any batteries in a cool, dry place. Remember to recharge during the winter to keep the battery cells activate.
  
  

• Add to ventilation hatches on the narrowed film
  

• Remove anything that could be stolen or damaged by frost on board.
  
  
• Do not store your boat outdoors using your transport canvas.


• Repair components of the trailer
  (carpets, rolls, jack, etc)
  

	Water Absorber for fixed fuel tank.
	Rinsing adapter (required for operating the engine out of the water)
	Anode(s)
	Antifreeze, non-toxic and non-flammable, for plumbing, for inboard engine and outboard semi and water supply pipes and water tanks.
	Motor antifreeze (motor for cooling closed circuit).
	Propeller Lock
	Trailer Lock
	Motor Lock
	Engine degreaser and bilge cleaner
	Dehumidifier (for habitable boats)
	Rust Remover
	Gelcoat repair kit
	Fuel filter
	Oil filters (inboard engine or semi outboard or outboard four-stroke).
	Water separator/filter (semi outboard motor equipped with this system)
	Grease
	Motor oil (inboard engine or semi outboard or outboard four-stroke).
	Gear Oil.
	Interprotect and antifouling paint
	Seals (2) for the gear case screws.
	Hull cleaner (aluminum or fiber as appropriate)
	Back Streak Remover
	Spray paint to touch up the engine
	Pump for motor oil change.
	Pump for gear oil change.
	Corrosion protection spray
	Fuel stabilizer (with fungicide for diesel)
	Locking system for the stern drive
	Oil absorber for the bilge (semi outboard)
	Shock treatment for drinking water tank.
	Shock treatment for toilet and septic tank.

Note: This guide is very general and is not suitable for all types of engines and boats. Please refer to your owner's manual before doing any work or modifications to your boat. Photos of items are used as an example only and may vary.

Terms of Use: This journal is intended for information purposes only Marine Mart Corp. offers the 'Captain’s Logbook' in good faith but can not guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information in the Journal
For questions... a product, a brand or a specific application, always refer to manufacturer's instructions.

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