Answers
I take it you put fuel stabilzer in the boat ? I assume you did RIGHT,the next thing to do is to pull the plugs and put fogging oil in it not running to fog it just burns off ,you need it to be full strength on cylinder walls, after you do that turn the engine over by hand to distribute the fog oil,I always cover the prop hub where the exhaust comes out, too keep dirt from blowing up in and into the cylinders,(always an exhaust valve open somewhere)even just a little bit,and I always use dryer sheets in the boat (the smell helps keep rodents away)If on a roller trailer try to block boat in a few places(rollers always leave dents where they sit if left for too long,thats why bunk trailers are better for storage) also make sure air flows into boat ,mold loves warm moist areas and with the boat left for so long it will if air cant get in,it will grow fast,easy stuff to do good luck.
Hi Vernon
Well, winterize it yes.("Winterize" is juts a colloquial term; if you lived on teh equator and were laying the boat up you should "winterize" it). That will protect the engine and drive against corrosion while not in use.
Is it a gas boat? I wouldn't trust ethanol-laced fuel to sit in my tank for 12 months. I'd siphon it off now, and use it elsewhere. My two cents.
Also, if the boat is on a trailer, consider removing the wheels/tires and blocking up the trailer. Store the tires out of the sun somwhere. If the boat will be stored on stands or blocks, make sure its well supported along the keel--boats blocked just bow and stern can develop a "hog" or "sag"
For a 12-month layup I'd also make sure my cover was really secure at keeping out rain and leaves etc. But I'd be equally sure that adequate ventilation was provided. I'd put vents in the tarp/cover, leave an overhanging end open, whatever. Id alsp prop open each and every hatch lid and locker in the boat to allow air to circulate.
I'd get a good coat of UV-blocking wax on the hull.
I would service and lubricate all seacocks.
I'd remove all soft goods, like cushions and mattresses and folding chairs and PFD's and find them a dry home.
Good Luck
Kevin
I use sta-bil year round & add it to fuel per directions. I live on Lake Conroe, Tx. because of the drought we've been told it could take up to 2yrs for the lake to be full again. Normally, the boat goes unused 3-4 mos. My winterizing includes draining water out of the water pump, water "jackets" and freeze plugs (fuel already has stabilizer). The boat is stored year round in a boat slip, where it is raised up and supported by bunkers on a boat lift. I put the fitted canvas cover on the boat + the "sliding canvas canopy" that goes over the length of the boat. The boat is a Mastercraft 225VRS ( v-drive / V8). I've just never let it sit this long. And yes the fuel around here has "up to 10% ethanol".
That is the norm for fuel it is very hard to find it without ethanol,its the same here in the great lakes area,The biggest enemy for a boat is just sitting not doing anything if you can every once in a while move things like ,steering wheel,shifter,if you can bump the starter but dont start the engine,remove the alt belt and spin the altenator,water pump,power steering pump,up here in the great white north thats what I do on a mild day, I get in and CHECK things,to see if any problems are starting to develope, and do the things I mentioned, keep a list of TO DO THINGS, or TO LOOK AT come spring,with christmas here soon,everyone knows what I want and I can install in the spring, for another great summer on my 32ft Bayliner, cruising the Thousand Islands, never see the same Island twice, its fantastic ,a boaters paradise.
Myles
'You are the man"
Kevin
Thanks Kevin I have been doing this job for years and love it,Love the Mag as well, love to help people in trouble, so may people get ripped off, because they just don't know, and at alot of places nowadays make a ton of money by UPSELLING alot of stuff you really don't need by putting the fear of god into you,It's nice to see this Mag and readers look out for people who want to use their boats and enjoy them NOT GET RIPPED OFF, and I will continue to respond to people who need help, the best that I can so you keep up the great answers as well and I will add my 2cents worth cheers Myles :-) have a happy new year.
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