storing boats

[afroengineer]

what are some good precautions and things that are necessary when storing a boat for the winter. I'm about to call it quits till nest year and this is the fisrt year I've owned a bass boat, what are the things I need to do? I'm more of a do it yourselfer and I'm good with engines and stuff. Thanks

[mountbkr]

Make sure the livewells and pumps are empty, take the plug out and jack the front up to drain the transom area. Make sure and run your bilge pumps to drain them and the hoses on them if you have them. You can pour the RV antifreeze in the bilge area but it's not to good on pumps.Windshield washer fluid will work better.Let the motor down to drain the lower unit and leave it down to let the water continue to drain. Take your batteries out, charge them up and store them in a warmer area if possible. Do not set them on concrete. Pour stabill in your gas tanks and run the motor to get it to the carbs. This should take care of you. ;D

Tim

[afroengineer]

ok, thanks that what I needed to know

[Glenn]

Here ya go!  ;D

http://bassresource.com/fishing/Winter_boat.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/winterizing_boat.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/boat_maintenance_tips.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/battery_maintenance.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/boat_maintenance.html

Hope that helps!

[Flatfish]

Do the same thing you guy's do but I drain the lower unit, and fill with new oil. I store mine outside so I open all hatches, remove anything that will freeze, put the cover on tightly, then wrap it with a poly tarp, preferably one with a silver color. Back the trailer tires onto a couple of board's, abd jack it up so the boat is tilted to the rear, don't fprget to pull the plug. ORTHO has a product called "Deer Be Gone" it contains a lot of ammonia and when sprayed around the bottom of the tarp it keep's unwanted varmit's (especially the neighbor's cat) out and away from your boat. I spray it about once a month when stored. Mt problem is I'am Not Ready To Quit Yet.