Winterizing outboard

[chasescott]

hey guys, i have a bass cat with a 115 mercury optimax on the back. I am PLANNING on fishing all winter and was wondering what i need to do for the motor. I live in Arkansas and we are supposed to have a cold winter for down here.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

-chase

[Tom Bass]

Well, if ya plan on using her over the winter then just lower your motor when ya take her out of the water and drain the water out of motor. Even if you're not storing her put some Sta-Bil gas treatment in the fuel tank at least two or three times during the cold months to keep moisture out of the tank and to keep your gas good if you go awhile without firing up your boat.

Cold mornings and somewhat warm afternoons could put some moisture in your tank.

[Tin]

Well, if ya plan on using her over the winter then just lower your motor when ya take her out of the water and drain the water out of motor. Even if you're not storing her put some Sta-Bil gas treatment in the fuel tank at least two or three times during the cold months to keep moisture out of the tank and to keep your gas good if you go awhile without firing up your boat.

Cold mornings and somewhat warm afternoons could put some moisture in your tank.

Thats about it, and too avoid a lot of moisture developing in the tank, keep it filled.

[brgbassmaster]

Once you lower your motor how do you get all the excess water out?

[Land Surveyor13]

It should drain by itself.  I fish year around also but I store my boat in the garage.

[brgbassmaster]

Ok cuz i was at a boat mechanics place and he use a airhose and blew a bunch of water out. but lowering it will do the same thing?

[chasescott]

Thanks for the info. I will make sure to put some stabil in once it gets a little colder.