Days are getting shorter, nights cooler and it’s getting to be that time of year to put our boats to bed for the winter. Every boat is different, and everyone has his or her own way of winterizing boats, but the same principle applies to all of them. I strongly believe if there is ANYTHING you are not sure about, talk to a person at a marina or take your boat/outboard in and have the professionals winterize it.

The biggest question I hear is should I fog the engine or not. Well years ago, we never fogged outboards because there was oil mixed in with the gas, so the cylinders were already lubricated. If a person decides to fog their cylinders, there are directions on the fogging bottle.

Here are the basic things you should know if winterizing your outboard yourself. A 2-STOKE OUTBOARD MOTOR. Add fuel stabilizer to the tank, put the muffs on the outboard’s intakes, turn the water on and once the water is coming out of the discharge, start the motor and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. Then disconnect the fuel line and while the engine is still running spray fogging oil into the carburetor or EFI system (check owner’s manual). This will cause the motor to cough and spudder, and when the engine starts to idle normally, let it run out of gas. Then remove the spark plugs and spray fogging oil into each cylinder, just tap the starter or pull the cord just enough to turn engine over and then replace the plugs. Know that OUTBOARD MOTOR OIL SHOULD BE CHANGED EVERY 100HRS.

Should you winterize a 4-STROKE OUTBOARD MOTOR?  This is when you will hear IF YOU STORE A CAR, DO YOU FOG THE ENGINE? YOU DO NOT. I know fishing guides that DO NOT fog their 4-strokes, and these people rely on their boat motor for income each year. But if you take your boat to a marina to be winterized and fogging is NOT necessary why is fogging part of their service? If you have your owner’s manual, I’m thinking it will tell you to fog your 4-stroke. TO FOG OR NOT TO FOG is the question. Whatever you decide to do, fogging is basically the same as the 2-stroke. Again, follow the directions on the can.

To drain your lower unit, place a container under the motor and remove the lower screw on the right side of the outboard and the oils should start to slowly drain. Then remove the top screw and the old oil will come out faster. Make sure you have BOTH plastic washers on those screws. Look for any metal shavings in the oil and if you do see ANY metal material have a marina look at your lower unit.

Add new lubricant by placing the nozzle or fitting into the bottom hole and pump or squeeze the bottle until the oil starts coming out the top hole. Install the top screw but make sure the PLASTIC WASHER is on the screw. Remove the fitting from the lower hole and quickly place the screw and WASHER and tighten. Once the lower unit oil is changed, check your propeller and hub for any damage.

THE INTERIOR.  Remove ALL fishing equipment, lifejackets and electronics. I know people that will disconnect their battery’s and leave them in their boats during the winter. Again, some will tell you “Even if the boat is in an un-heated garage, disconnect the cables and the battery’s will be just fine”. Others will say, remove the batteries and make sure the water level is correct. If water level is down, add DISTILLED WATER to reach normal level.

Then make sure the batteries are fully charged and store them in an area that won’t reach freezing temperatures. I’m a strong believer in checking the batteries to make sure they retain a charge during storage. I also think it’s a good idea to apply electronic grease to all plugs to prevent corrosion.

STORAGE. Everyone has different opinions on how to store their boat over winter. Whatever your choice, it’s a good idea to add dryer sheets to prevent critters from doing any damage. Now, if you are lucky enough to store your boat inside, the standard morning cover works just fine. If your boat will be outside, some folks add a tarp over their standard boat cover. If you’re considering having your boat shrink wrapped, make sure it has proper ventilation or it could cause mildew due to moisture being trapped inside. I’ve been asked about the cost of shrink wrapping and I believe it is around $12 to $15 per foot.

Again, if there is anything you are not sure of or are not comfortable doing, take your boat to a marina.