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Name:	Son of a Sailor -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/16/2008 3:52:34 PM

This will be my first fall/winter on the lake. I have a boathouse with a pontoon (outboard) motor and an inboard/outboard boat with a mercruiser engine. I would like to learn how to winterize the boats myself. Someone told me the outboard should be fine but that I need to drain and put antifreeze in the engine of the mercruiser. Does anybody have any suggestions? I would be willing to pay someone to do it this year and show me how to do it. Thanks.

Name:	Jim Dandy -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/17/2008 1:27:06 PM

Sounds like you have a similar setup as me - 'toon with OB and runabout with I/O.

For the OB, I use the trim/tilt and run it up and down a few times to drain the water out.

For the I/O, I bought a winterizing kit from Overtons. It is basically an oval pan with a slot in the middle that fits around the foot, and clamps on just below the intake holes. I fill it up with water, then run the engine until its warm. This will open up the internal thermostat. Then I let the water out of the pan and refill it with antifreeze. Run the engine for a few more minutes so that the antifreeze is circulated through the engine and I'm done. Done this for several years now and never had a problem. Typically takes around three gallons of antifreeze.

Name:	Mack -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/17/2008 9:31:42 PM

As added protection from freezing block/exhaust heads.
Assume your I/O is enclosed? Go to Home Depot/Lowes and get heat cable with thermostat, wrap around engine block, plug in to outlet. Keeps from freezing at temps below about 25 degrees.

Name:	Son of a Sailor -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/18/2008 9:34:10 AM

Thanks Jim Dandy. What type antifreeze do you recommend? The Boat/RV antifreeze that they sell at Wal-mart or regular auto antifreeze?

Name:	Son of a Sailor -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/18/2008 9:35:44 AM

Thanks Mack!

Name:	Jim Dandy -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/18/2008 9:36:25 AM

I use regular auto antifreeze, non-duluted. Some brands are pre-duluted with 50% water.

Name:	4thelake -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/19/2008 5:23:22 PM

Just don't discharge it in the lake next year. Use the RV type for no damage to the environment. Hard to do when its hanging in a boathouse.

Name:	Jim Dandy -	Reply
Subject:	Winterizing Boat
Date:	9/22/2008 9:19:34 AM

Good point. I keep my boat in the garage during the winter months and flush out prior to putting in the lake.

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