For a great deal of anglers, the fantastic fishing seasons have come to a close. While some may have a craft large enough to handle the rough waters of winter, and a few use their smaller boats for open water duck hunting, many boats have seen their last days afloat for the next couple of months. With hunting and fishing seasons coming to an end, you can use the extra time to do a couple of little things that will ensure your boat is ready when the water warms and the fish again become active.
The first and easiest thing to do is treat the gas left in the tank. Left to sit for extended periods of time, gas will start to go bad and will gum up your carburetor or injector ports. There are different products on the market, like Stabil, that will prevent you gas from going bad and gumming up the insides of your motor. It is easy to use, read the label for the correct mixture ratio, then connect you motor to a water source (a garden hose will work with the right adapter) and run you motor long enough to get the additive into your fuel injectors or carburetor. About five minutes is usually sufficient.
If you have a motor with a carb, it is a good idea to fog the pistons. This is done by spraying a good fogging oil into the carburetor while the engine is running. Doing this will vary depending on the type of motor you have. Be sure to read your owners manual before attempting this. If you do not feel comfortable doing this step or you have a newer outboard, you would be better off taking your motor to a qualified mechanic for winterization.
Now is a good time to visually check your entire motor and fuel system. Check all your fuel lines and clamps. Replace any that show high signs of wear or leaks. Remove and clean your fuel filter and water separator. Check for signs of corrosion on all parts under the hood of the motor. Clean or replace those that are corroded and treat the other parts that may become rusted. Putting a little lubricant on the cover latch and wheel teeth is a good idea. Pull and check your spark plugs and wires. If needed replace them. Some spray WD-40 on them before they reinstall them. Check all your linkage and cables at this point.
This is also a good time to drain the lower unit of your motor. Remove the bottom plug first, then the top. If you have a bad seal you will notice water in the oil. After it has drained refill from the lower plug until oil comes out the top. Make sure to wipe off any excess oil that gets on the unit.
You will then want to grease any fittings, making sure not to leave any excess. If you boat is equipped with power trim and tilt, check and replace the fluids in these units. Carefully check your prop for any wear or damage. A light coat of grease on the splines is a good idea. If a new prop is needed, replace it.
Since most of your electronic equipment uses the same raceways as fuel lines and cables, this is the perfect time to inspect them for wear or corrosion. Inspect all mounting bolts and replace as needed. Make sure that your drain plug is removed and give the boat a good wash and wax job. This will prevent stains from setting on fabrics or detracting the finish. Lastly, remove the battery.
Before you put the cover on the boat, put some type of moisture absorbent in the boat. This will prevent mildew from forming on the interior while under cover. Cover with a quality boat cover that is large enough for your boat. Many like to place a piece of wood lengthwise to form a “V” so snow and rain do not accumulate, eventually ending up in the boat. While you are at it, check the trailer for any repairs that need to be done.
Doing these little jobs to your motor will ensure that your boat is ready to hit the water when mother nature gives us those warm spring days. When the Sound is calm and you want some fresh Dungeness Crabs or the spring trout season is just around the corner, you will be glad you took care of your boat and motor and are not one of the unlucky trying to get their boat into the mechanic.
