What does it mean to have a boat "de-winterized"? Is it necessary?

Answer 1

I will answer your question based on my location, which is in Alaska, and for my boat which is a fiberglass sterndrive V8 power. Before winter storage, All fluids are changed, engine oil, engine antifreeze, outdrive lube, etc. I loosen all belts, power steering, alternator, etc. I pull out all plugs to fully drain the heat exchange system, remove the batteries and them spray then entire engine compartment and outdrive including prop with an anticorrosion spray available in most boat shops.

Dewinterizing is the reverse of the above. Even though all fluids were replaced, I check levels. I always hook up a garden hose attachement and run the engine to ensure proper performance. It can be very frustrating to get your boat launched only to find it doesn't run.....I learned the hard way! The key is to double and triple check everything, the time taken to do so can save a lot of headaches.

Answer 2

depends on what was done when winterized. I change the oil and filters on my engines. I have the marina change the gear oil in the drives. They winterize the engines and water system. I leave the batteries in and charge them a couple times over the winter season. First of all you never leave dirty oil in a engine or drive. They need to be changed in the fall and refilled. Leaving the engine or drives empty of oil. Allows rust to take place. I add gas stabilizer in the fall the the fuel tanks. I don't drain them, no need too. I de-winterize like this. Hook up all the water lines left disconnected. For the engines and pressurized water for the galley and shower. Flush out the non toxic antifreeze from the water system. Start the engines. Once in a while the fogging oil fouls the plugs. I have to change them. Either way I change the spark plugs. Every other season change the cap and rotor.

Answer 3

There are several possibilities for dewinterizing. Certainly if the engine was left with no oil or fuel, it needs to be filled. The antifreeze used is emptied, if it is environmentally friendly, it is just pumped overboard, otherwise it is pumped out and disposed of. Sometimes certain plugs are left out, so need to be put back in. Also if the boat has a water system it is filled. If the boat has a potty, that is charged for the season. The bottom paint is checked and safety equipment is checked. Seals and hoses are checked.

Answer 4

Most winterized boat motors are fogged with a formula that keeps your cylinders lubed, and unrusted. I always remove the spark plus, and give it a shot of oil prior to starting. You need to start it on the trailer with water ears feeding water to it. It needs to idle for a good 30 min. It will smoke allot, and that's good. Next is to check the grease in the lower unit. It should have been drained before winter in case of water contaminates. Most marinas replace it in the fall, but not all. Packing the wheel bearing on the trailer. or at least filling the buddy bearing is also a must. If there is gas in the tank, and Stable wasn't added, you need to fill up with fresh fuel. Charge the batteries with a slow charge (overnight) and check the bilge pump(s) and live-well pump(s) if equipped, to make sure none of the piping froze and broke over the winter. Check wiring for critter chewing, and also the connections. De-winterizing is just allot of common sense. If you write a list of things to do, fallow threw with it, you should be fine. Have fun, summer is here.

Answer 5

If your engine has been drained of oil and gas, and the cylinder(s) fogged, etc last fall, then yes you definitely need to have an outboard specialist to help you or a friend experienced in this manner. From my experience, the question you asked primarily deals with having the outboard or inboard prepped for use in the boating season of your area.

Answer 6

Dinin is right...it is very neccessary! Y'got a boat, take good care of it. GL

Answer 7

here's a review of them from ebays reviews & guides.