Winterizing a boat is an essential process unless you plan to make necessary repairs to your boat come springtime. If you do not winterize your boat, any water droplets left could freeze, expand, and crack the components they were in. This could cause anything from blowing off a hose to completely ruining your engine.
Do you really need to winterize an outboard motor?
If you want your engine to start in the spring and last you many years and plan on not using your engine all winter, you do have to winterize an outboard motor. Winterizing the engine helps to prevent damage during disuse, which is the chief cause for engine failure. Failing to winterize may lead to complications.
Should I leave my outboard motor up or down?
It’s best to tilt your outboard up when leaving your boat in the water to prevent marine growth from forming and from corrosion eating away at its metal parts. That being said, there are some instances when you may prefer tilting your outboard down.
Will an outboard motor freeze?
A very popular question asked by a concerned boat owner, (mainly outboard motorboats) is Will A Boat Motor Freeze? The simple answer is yes. If the temperature is low enough, it can freeze. Water, oil and other engine related lubrication coupled with freezing temperatures is the main culprit for freezing a boat motor.
How much does it cost to winterize an outboard motor?
If you bring your boat to a shop to have it winterized, you can expect to pay between $300 and $400.
Are old outboard motors worth anything?
What is it worth? Outboard motors, similar to wooden boats, are valued by the simple laws of supply and demand. Yet, some fairly common models like Mercury kg-7 “Super 10” and Johnson 5 hp green TD models are fairly pricey in restored condition. … Horsepower alone is not a good pricing guide.
Will a boat motor freeze at 27 degrees?
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.
What happens if I forget to winterize boat?
Winterizing a boat is an essential process unless you plan to make necessary repairs to your boat come springtime. If you do not winterize your boat, any water droplets left could freeze, expand, and crack the components they were in. This could cause anything from blowing off a hose to completely ruining your engine.
How do you winterize an outboard motor?
The basics of winterising your outboard
- Give the motor a good freshwater flush. …
- Change the lower unit oil. …
- Since the introduction of ethanol, adding a fuel stabiliser for the winter is an absolute must.
- Hook up the water again and run the motor for a good 10-15 minutes, to work the stabilized fuel through the motor.
Do I need to winterize my boat if I keep it in the garage?
Of course, as BOATUS states, the best winter storage space for your boat is “indoors, in a climate‑controlled facility with a backup generator.” This means that you need control over the temperature in your garage. A good garage door that seals out the cold will help keep your boat safe over the winter.
Does water drain out of outboard motor?
To prevent freeze damage, prior to winter storage, many owners simply drain the cooling water out of their outboards. However, while it might seem like “overkill”, we recommend flushing your motor with antifreeze. This will prevent residual water from turning into ice and causing damage during a hard freeze.
Why do people winterize their boats?
What Is Winterizing? Before the mercury dips below freezing, you need to prepare your boat for the coming winter. At its most basic, winterizing means draining any water aboard or replacing it with enough of the right kind of antifreeze to protect against the lowest temperatures your boat might experience.