How do YOU winterize??

[wmflyfisher]

I purchased a new boat this year and would like to hear what you guys do to prepare for winter. Everywhere is different because of weather and temp so it should be pretty consistent here since most of us live around this area. Motor is a 2011 Yami F70 4 Stroke. I plan to run it once or twice during the winter for striper fishing. Do I really need to do anything to it except drain the water after use?? Any help would be great.

 

[Jmax]

Water is your big killer. Check for water in your boat, water in your lower unit and water in your lines. Make sure if there is any drain it or change it. You can actually break a lower unit if there is enough water and it freezes. The other thing I do is in the winter I use stabil In my gas. Run some up into the engine. It does seem to start it better on the cold months. emoThumbsup Jmax

 

[dragfish]

Besides your motor, I put one of those XL ziploc storage bags filled with a complete change of clothes From long johns to coveralls.
Also spare boots and a few towels, all in case of an accidental swim (or for someone else)
Fire starting sticks and a dry lighter is not a bad idea.

 

[wmflyfisher]

Thanks guys. Primarily concerned with winterizing the motor just to be clear.

Good tip dragfish!

 

[gobigorange]

http://www.bassboatcentral.com/winterizing.htm

Found this on the BBC site it is good

 

[Hook1]

I just fish all winter and dont worry about winterizing. As far as the water, I just trim the motor all the way up and down a couple times after fishing to drain the foot and lower unit as much as possible. Never had any problems.

 

[lucky rapala]

just make sure u drain the low unit and i would put fule stabill in when u r not going to use it more then 2 weeks