Winter Boat Storage

[Dr.Bob]

How about we get a little discussion going about winter storage.? All I own is plain jane fishing boats with smaller outboard motors.? Generally I drain the lower units and refill them with fresh lube before taking them off the boats and putting them in the shed for the winter.? Then I pull the boats off of the trailers and flip them over and block them up off the ground.

I am wondering what others do and if it is really necessary to flip the boats.? Will it hurt them if they get snow and ice in them?? I was always afraid that the expantion of the ice may damage the seams of the boats.? Anyone care to comment?

[WoodChuck]

 :) you are right! the ice will rip the seats out of their brackets if allowed to freeze solid ,. and it is cheaper to drain the oil or greas plus water out of the lower unit then to replace its cracked case. as far as the seams , if water can leak in it should leak back out again if its out of the water!

[shakey legs 2]

This post is about smaller boats but here are some tips for boats that must be stored on the trailer:

1.  Drain gearcase and fill with fresh lube.

2.  Fill gas tank (permanent tank) with fresh gas and appropriate amount of sea foam.  Run the motor with muffs or in the lake until the seafoam has circulated.  Remove engine cover and fog cylinders until the engine dies.  Some people advocate draining the tank completely.  I go with the full tank approach to cut down on condensation although this is less important with plastic tanks as opposed to metal tanks.  Remove spark plugs check the wear and gap.Shoot some fogging oil into the cylinders, cover cylinder holes with a rag and with the spark plugs disconnected, give the engine a couple of spins to distribute the fogging oil in the cylinders.

3.  Remove prop, lubricate spindle and check for fishing line wrapped around the spindle which can damage the seals.

4.  lubricate all Zerk's on the motor and check the fuel filter for water.

5.  check rollers on trailer and give the bearing buddies a few squirts of grease (careful so you don't blow out the rear seals).

6.  Check winch and strap for wear and lubricate teeth on winch if necessary.

7.  Wash and wax the boat exterior.  White vinegar/water or simple green work good for taking off hard water spots.

8.  Vacuum and shampoo carpet (some people take the boat to the carwash).

9.  Remove equipment and depth finders.  Cold weather is especially tough on LC D's.  Check props on electric motors for fishing line.

10.  Check batteries to make sure water is over the plates and charge fully.  Some people pull their batteries.  I leave mine in the boat fully charged and have never had a problem.  Disconnect one lead to the batteries and grease the posts to prevent corrosion.

11. The last Thing I do once the boat carpet has dried completely is to put bounce fabric softener sheets in every compartment and on the main floor of the boat to keep mice out plus have your boat smelling good when you take the cover off in the Spring.  Don't forget to pull the drain plugs and make sure all water is out of the livewell and pump areas.  Some people blow out lines with an air hose or put in RV antifreeze.  I have not done either with no problems.  Just make sure the water is out or your livewell pump or bilge pump can freeze up.  Tape up any holes (like livewell overflow/intake holes) with duct tape to discourage mice.

12.  When storing my boat, I put the axles up on jack stands to relieve pressure on the bearings so they don't develop flat spots.  I check the bearings every other year for wear and rust plus check your trailer wiring for wear before storing.

I am sure I have left out a few things but these are the main things I do every year.

[jigglestick]

you obviously haven't seen my boats

[Dr.Bob]

Thanks guys.

What do you mean Dave? Haven't you tried Simple Green yet?

 

[Lee Borgersen]

I've purchased enough Simple Green to last me the next 10 years, it works great if I keep up the maintenance like I should. The key phrase is "like I should".

 Unfortunately I manage to get behind on the maintenance and it's to late for my Simple Green. The lime buildup gets so bad that I have to use Lime- a -way and that gets the job done. But, it sure don't leave that nice new shine like Simple Green.

[blazer]

One thing I always do is put a load of dryer sheets in the motor, anywhere the little critters could get into the motor.  i've had problems in the past with mice making nests in the motor compartment over the winter.  The dryer sheets have solved this problem for me.

[Dr.Bob]

Thanks for the tip on the dryer sheets guys.? I have not had a lot of trouble with mice around my place cause we got a kicka$$ kitty that earns his keep here.? But I did have some of those fuzzy lil varments chew up one of my sleeping bags in my shed.? I am going to put those things all over the place.? Not only will it protect my stuff it'll also help cover the smell of those beer farts.