Winterizing?

[fission]

I keep my boat in a slip on the lake where I live (in North Carolina). Everybody else around here pulls their boat out, winterizes it, and keeps it on a trailer all winter (nobody else fishes as far as I can tell). I intend to use the boat at least 2-3 time a month throughout the winter.

If you keep your boat in the water and fish all winter, I guess you can't really "winterize" your boat? Any recommendations?

[al_e._gator]

I grew up in Salisbury NC and my dad has had at least a dozen boats including 5 right now. I don't recall ever seeing him winterize a single one of them. NC doesn't get a lot of freezes at the lower elevations so freezing water in the LU oil is possible but not likely. If you have several hours on the boat I would recommend LU oil change and plugs, plus crankcase oil change if you have a 4 stroke. If you're using it throughout the winter I don't think you need to do anything else. If you're going to park it for 2+ months you'll probably want to fog the cylinders.

[fission]

Thanks Gator! I also forgot to mention...this motor is a 4stk and is my first EFI. Seems like winterizing = fogging the cyls...but I've heard more than 1 person say not to fog an EFI motor.

I know why carbs need fogging...and so I can understand why EFI engines don't need it as badly (although I'll probably still fog if I plan to not start it for extended periods).

Anybody have any strong recommendations on fogging/not fogging EFI motors?

[Familymanof5]

Bring it to my house in warm sunny florida and we won't charge you any rent (just a few hours use per month)


LOL

TOM

[fission]

Ha! Careful what you wish for...you might have a 'family of 9'!

FL is great and I'm always jealous when I see the fishing pics from you guys down there. I move around a lot for work and FL is always on the short list when I'm working on a move.

[Familymanof5]

Well my daughter is going to Davidson College right there on the outskirts of Charlotte. Nice place. The lake there is real nice looking. When we were up there picking up my skiff last Feb. there was a big bass tournament going on. I have never in my life seen such a crazy bunch of guys out on the lake fishing when it was 20 degrees outside. I guess you get used to it. Not me. I like it hot.

If you are ever in the area of Just south of Tampa we will have to get together. I will take you on a small tour around Tampa Bay area.

GL in CHarlotte

TOM"