Any reason to winterize?

[mzimme]

With the cold coming up, I have to make a couple decisions about what I'm going to do with the boat. Unfortunately I don't have room at home to store it, so I have to put it in storage somewhere. We have a forecast 32* this weekend, so I need to take care of this before I end up with any damage.

I'm thinking of leaving my regular storage facility for underground cave storage here in KC. They're climate controlled storage that is 61-70* year round. They're dehumidified so there's no musty smell, no dust in there, or anything of that nature.

Is there any reason to "winterize" the boat if it's sitting in 61-70* temperatures during the off season? I'd change the fluids and drain the boat out of existing water, but past that is there really any reason to fill the block with anti-freeze? Seems like overkill...

[willyt]

you definitely want to fog the cylinders since it'll be sitting for awhile too. if you dry block it, it'll be fine

[ccelia]

I would if it was my boat. It doesn't take long to do and you'll have a piece of mind should the power cut out at the storage facility. I would also fog the cylinders if the boat isn't going to be started on a regular basis. The same goes for treating the gas if the boat isn't going to be ran, especially with a carbed motor.

[mzimme]

I planned to treat the gas, good call on the fogging guys. Luckily I don't have to worry about the power going out, as all it does is turn the lights on and off. The place is a cave, so the natural temperature without any heating/cooling aid is 61-70* year round.

This is the spot: http://www.subtropolis.biz/

[TxsRiverRat]

In Kansas, I would. If you can run the engine 1x a month (which I do here in ft Worth), all i do is drain the block, manifolds and hoses.. none of the other stuff

[NatesGr8]

Treat the fuel, change the oil, fog the cylinders, moth balls in plastic containers around the boat, battery/s on a maintainer. Should be good to go after that.

[mzimme]

Originally Posted by NatesGr8

Treat the fuel, change the oil, fog the cylinders, moth balls in plastic containers around the boat, battery/s on a maintainer. Should be good to go after that.

What are the moth balls for? I pull the batteries out and keep them at home in the basement.

Originally Posted by TxsRiverRat

In Kansas, I would. If you can run the engine 1x a month (which I do here in ft Worth), all i do is drain the block, manifolds and hoses.. none of the other stuff

I'd rather just fog it and forget about it until I pull it out in the spring. It tends to stay cold here for long periods of time, and the last thing I want to be doing is draining a block when its sub 30 degree temps out. haha.

Sounds like after work I'll be going to the lake for one last hurrah and to get some fuel treatment through the system. Thanks for the helpful info everyone.

[TxsRiverRat]

Originally Posted by mzimme

Sounds like after work I'll be going to the lake for one last hurrah and to get some fuel treatment through the system. Thanks for the helpful info everyone.

Man you gonna go through some serious withdrawl symptoms...

[mzimme]

Originally Posted by TxsRiverRat

Man you gonna go through some serious withdrawl symptoms...

I know. It's ok though... I enjoy snow skiing as much as being on the water, and my family has a couple places out in Colorado, so that will keep me happy while it's cold.

[east tx skier]

I don't think you will have any worry with the block freezing. However, there are some corrosion inhibition benefits from filling your block with Propylene Glycol (RV Antifreeze). I store my boat in an attached garage in northeast Texas. I do the antifreeze these days just for whatever corrosion protection it may provide.