Wanted to get opinions on a winterizing checklist. For those of you who don't know, I have a 22 ft Hydra-Sports WA with a 2 stroke 175 HP Johnson Outboard.

Here is my current list:

Winterize Checklist

Stabilize fuel
Run engine to circulate stabilized fuel
Fog engine
Change engine lower unit oil
Remove drain plug
Add antifreeze to bilge
Remove boat batteries
Set batteries on trickle charge
Shrink Wrap Boat

What have I missed? Any other suggestions? Comments appreciated!

I thought I'd share my Spring Maintenance Checklist as well for those that might be interested.

Annual Spring Maintenance

change fuel filter
install boat batteries
Change Spark Plugs
Spray shot of OMC engine tuner in each cylinder
put drain plug back in
change engine fuel filter element
wax boat
test electrical systems
inspect/replace zincs
Grease trailer bearings

Give her a pat on the ass for the great year:D

A couple things:
Grease all motor and steering fittings
Turn motor so that steering piston is fully retracted during the winter
Only trickle charge if you have a high end charger that really turns itself off. Otherwise it might be safer for the batts to top off once a week

Good adds Roger. I will add. By retracted you mean the opposite of extended correct? Can you elaborate on why this is good?

Not sure if your Hydra holds fresh water like mine but that will need some pink stuff, also open all bilge acess, inspection ports, cabinets, anchor locker, etc.

disconnect hoses from washdown pumps,livewell pumps. and pump them dry.
don't leave electronics to freeze.
put the batteries in the basement. they'll stay warm. just charge them in the spring.
soak the ba-jesus out of the engine with wd40, everywhear.same for bilge wiring/fuse pannels, etc...
get a vent in the shrink wrap so moisture don't accumulate.
treat cushions with armor all or something.
treat canvass-plastic.
no cans of soda left behind, very messy, trust me:)

I see these posts about this time every year, what is this winterizing thing you speak of:).

Originally posted by Got Stripers
I see these posts about this time every year, what is this winterizing thing you speak of:).

Sure just keep rubbin it in !!!!


Take the prop off and regrease/nevaseez. or like me,,,I just
leave the prop off during storage time.

Change the fuel/water separator, in case there is any water that will freeze in there.

Originally posted by Fish On
By retracted you mean the opposite of extended correct? Can you elaborate on why this is good?

I'm not sure of the proper terminology, but I try to get the shiny inner rod to fully retract into the piston. This helps to protect it from the elements during storage.

Does everyone here do it themselfs? It will cost me 300 bucks to have my mechanic winterize everthing. To me its a no brainer. If you f-up once it would cost more than that.

Been doing it for 20 years never f-uped. its really easy.
I always feel better doing things myself, but thats me.
Always learnin !!!!!!!!!!

what would be a checklist for an i/o

Sorry QD, never did an I/O....:huh: :huh:

I've hears of mechanics F'n up. I usually feel that my lack of experience is outweighed by the fact that it is my ass 40 in the boat next spring when it is 40 miles off shore. Motivates me to do a good job.

I/O is quite a bit different, I made a 5 gallon bucket with a shut off valve on it dumped my antifreeze in and started the boat up on the hose when it was warm I would shut it down and hook up the bucket with antifreeze to the muffs and turn the valve start her up and run until the bucket was empty(have to be sure you use non toxic enviro friendly anti freeze) also while it is running on the bucket I would be dumping fogging oil in the carb, when I was done with that I would pull the plugs and give each cylinder a few shots of mystery oil and put the plugs back in loose, I would then drain the oil and change it+filter, drain and replace lower unit oil. Pull the batteries and cover it up.