outdoor outboard storage

[hakksaw]

I see a lot of outdoor storage facilities packed with boats that have the engines layed up and uncovered.  I have mine covered, upright and turned to the right(looking at it from the rear)  I have had a couple of friends have issues already with their cables seizing. Hoping that I'm not next.  Just wondering why these guys haven't properly protected the biggest investment on the boat this year!  Am I correct in the way I have mine set so far?  thanks for your time.

[Cajun1977]

you want your motor stored all the way in a down posotion  as to let all water run out and not freeze

[hakksaw]

Sure thing.  I have heard that you should have your engine turned all the way to one side to to "minimize cable seizure".  Can't remember where I read that and I haven't given it much thought up until a couple of weeks ago with my buddies problems.

[justfishin]

Run fuel conditioner through your motor before storing it and then unplug your fuel line. You should fog the cylinders if it is going to sit for 3 or 4 months. My boat does not sit that long  if the water does not have ice on it I fish. Also, if you do not have a on board charger make sure you charge your batteries at least once a month. I leave my batteries in the boat and have never had a problem but, mine stays on the on board all the time. I still take a look at them once a month. I have four batteries in my boat, starting, and three for the trolling motor as mine is a 36v system. I also keep my cables greased all the time. Mine has fittings. In the spring I clean and repack my trailer bearings as well. I have bearing buddies but, I still do this every spring. I run a Jet Prop so I usually put a new water pump in once a year as I suck up a lot of crap in the low water I run. Forty seven bucks is cheaper than a new power head. Maintain your equipment and it will not let you down.

[HPBB]

People don't car or don't know any better/ How many times have you seen boats that sit outside all year without a cover? I see alot of them.

My boats sit outside all winter . I keep my motors is the lowest postion I can so the water can drain out. I don't turn them as you do, but I grease the cable before it gets stored. Do all the othe winterizing stuff. As Jim Blair said, I do keep both boats on charge all winter ( all the time infact) and have never had any proplems.