How do you winterize a boat?

Winterization is simply the process of making sure that any part of your boat that could contain raw water is drained and replaced with antifreeze. This is essential if you own an inboard boat and live in an area where temperatures drop below freezing for any amount of time.

How much does winterizing a boat cost?

If you winterize your boat yourself, it will cost you about $250. This price includes the cost of winterizing the engine, the other systems of your boat, and cleaning it, stem to stern, inside and out. However, if you have the work done at a boatyard, expect to spend $500 up.

Do I need to winterize my boat?

If You Don’t Winterize Your Boat, Here’s What Happens: Water freezes and expands and can damage anything it’s trapped inside. Water may seep into unprotected spaces to do this. Acidic and corrosive wastes, salt and corrosion buildup can damage delicate parts in engines.

How do you winterize a boat? – Related Questions

At what temp will a boat engine freeze?

Unwinterized boat engines can freeze any time the air temperature is below 28°F (-2°C) – for an extended period. Freshwater cooled engines without proper coolant can freeze below 32°F (0°C). The good news is you can prevent freeze damage fairly easily.

Do I need to winterize my boat if I keep it in the garage?

Many people wonder whether you still need to winterize a boat even if it’s stored in a garage. The answer is yes, you should still winterize your boat, even if it’s stored in a garage for the winter. While winterizing your boat with a mechanic will cost you a little bit of money, it’s money well spent.

How long can a boat sit without running?

One of the most commonly-asked questions we get is, “Is it okay if my boat isn’t running for a while in Fort Lauderdale, FL?” The answer is yes—but you have to do some maintenance beforehand. As long as it’s well maintained before going into storage, a boat can sit for a few months, a few years or even a few decades.

Do you have to winterize a boat every year?

Consider It Part of ‘Annual Maintenance’

In cold climates, many boat owners combine the “winterization” process with annual maintenance. This usually includes: Changing the engine oil and oil filter. Checking or changing the gearcase lubricant in an outboard or sterndrive.

Do I need to winterize my boat in South Carolina?

Boat Winterization in SC near Charleston & Columbia

Boat winterization is a must if you want to keep your boat in perfect condition throughout the cold winter months.

Is winterizing an outboard motor Necessary?

Winterizing your outboard motor is one of the most important maintenance you can perform as a boat owner. It ensures safe boating in the spring, and also helps to keep your outboard(s) performing well.

Should you run antifreeze through outboard?

You do not need to run antifreeze through an outboard, period. They’re designed to drain completely in the tilted-down position, and do not need an ounce of antifreeze.

Is fogging a boat motor necessary?

Fogging a boat engine is not completely necessary but is highly recommended. Putting a stabilizer in your gasoline can help reduce the long-term storage issues but is not a guarantee. Essentially, fogging oil is an inexpensive way to better protect your boat engine while it’s left idle.

How often should you change the impeller on a outboard motor?

At a minimum, you should replace your impeller according to your manual – for example, every 200 hours. Over time, the vanes become rigid and work less effectively, and you may see your engine overheating.

What happens when impeller goes bad?

If your impeller fails, the pump can’t pump cool water to the engine causing your engine to overheat. If you catch that your impeller is failing early on, you might avoid major problems. However, if you’re not fortunate enough to catch a bad impeller, the results can be catastrophic to your engine.

How do I know if my water pump impeller is bad?

These five signs can help you recognize that it’s time to bring your car in for inspection and possible water pump repair.

Coolant Leaking. One of the first signs of a potentially faulty water pump is a puddle of coolant on the ground where you’ve parked your car.
Rust or Deposit Build-Up.
Noise.
Overheating.
Steam.

What is the average lifespan of an outboard motor?

Well-maintained inboard engines, inboard outboard engines (unless diesel), and outboards have a serviceable, average life of about 1500 – 2000 hours. If you are looking at a gas-fueled marine engine close to or exceeding 1000 hours, inboard or outboard, proceed with caution.

Why should a boats gas tank never be completely filled?

It’s important to never fill the tank of your boat beyond 90% full. This leaves room for gas to expand and avoids the potential for overflow. Ensure that all air vents and valves to the gas tank are open. After you’re done fueling, tightly replace the gas cap.

What is the most reliable outboard motor brand?

Best Outboard Motors in 2022

Mercury Racing 450R. Mercury Racing. After Mercury launched its new V8 4.6-liter Verado, it was only a matter of time before they stepped up the horsepower by a few notches.
G2 Evinrude 150 E-TEC. Evinrude.
Torqueedo Travel 1103 CS. Torqeedo.
Yamaha Offshore XTO. Yamaha.
Suzuki DF350A. Suzuki.

What is the longest lasting outboard motor?

Mercury motors claim to last thousands of miles, but like all other motors, this depends on the care, maintenance, and use. With the proper care and cleaning, Mercury outboard motors could offer you over 2,000 or even 3,000 hours of use.

What is the most expensive outboard engine?

Inside The World’s Most Powerful Outboard Boat Engine, The Seven Marine’s 627sv. The 627sv engine has over 1200 parts! And, it costs $100,000.