Winterizing Question re: new (to me) 16-angler

M

MilesandMiles

New member
Hello again, Though a born and raised Northern Californian, I've somehow become a Northern Minnesotian (Duluth, good c-dory digs...5 months a year) I'm about to take my new to me 16-angler home and wondering how I should prepare her for the extreme winter conditions in Mn. right around the corner. She has a 50HP suzuki if that matters here. I've read a few google write-ups which range anywhere from flushing with fresh water via the muffs on the hose, then drain (I believe John already did this when we pulled out at test run) is there a further involved "drain" or "flushing" of the lower unit? My brother who is much knowing of auto mechanics, but not so much boats has filled my head with visions of freezing water inside the motor--basically ruining it. I have a small garage which unfortunately won't accom the entire boat, but can allow the rear, up to the cabin to be inside, door pulled down and plywood on the sides to keep some of the nasty out. Not my dream set-up by far, but I live a cash/no debt lifestyle and a nice shop is still a year or two away. Any advice on making due with what I've got at the time being is much appreciated. For those sane people who don't live anywhere near Minnesota, it gets VERY cold there...below zero often, and can stay there for days, or even a week or more. As a plan B I've considered just leaving it here at my brothers or fathers place in California, anf driving/flying out to work on her or do some winter cruising south or PNW. Thanks, Brenton
 
Brenton, you've got an easy one to winterize. NONE!

The lower unit doesn't need any special care. Just make sure the engine is stored in the "down" position so that all the water drains out of it. If there is any water in the bilge, dry it up and cover the boat. Before you do, you might want to remove the electronics, if you have any (GPS, etc) and bring them into someplace warm and dry. Ditto with the battery. Take it someplace dry where it won't freeze (shouldn't if it's fully charged) and put a trickle charger on it. Don't store it on a concrete floor but put it on a board or something.

Hope you have a good winter, happy boating, welcome to the Brats, again!

Charlie
 
Brenton,

I always put some RV or Marine antifreeze in the bilge and around the bilge pump. Even if you get it dry now, water could drip in or such and those little plastic bilge pump impellers/housings are very fragile when it comes to ice.

If you have any type of water tank/pump, sink, etc., put some anti freeze in that also.

I use those little float chargers when the boat is not charging from shore power, and use Heet and Sta-Bil all year long in the gasoline to avoid any surprises .

John
 
Ditto..

Engines down to ensure water does not accumulate, mark your wires with a zip tie so you remember what goes where and remove batteries (keep them in the house or basement to avoid freezing), make sure bilge is totally dry of water, and for good measure run some of the RV antifreeze through the pumps and leave a little in there. You definitely want to cover your vessel as leaves can stain like crazy and of course you just want to protect your investment.

Now, there is annual maintenance to be done on the engines per the maintenance schedule. You would want to replace the engine oil and filter, replace the lower unit oil, fog the engine, grease the various pulleys and steering, and cover with a healthy does of Corrosion Block (spray). I would also remove the prop to make sure you maintain proper greasing at the start of each season. Every two seasons or so you need to replace the impeller pumps in the lower unit and also replace the low pressure fuel filter. Etc.
 
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