what am I supposed to do??

[s2gots]

This is going to be my first winter with my firts boat...'88 Four winns Horizon 200....Ive been reading alot about winterizing....and when I do winterize, I decided I will have a professional do the work...
Anyway, I live in the Bay area, N. California, and it doesnt really get freezing cold here. What am I supposed to do, in regards to winterizing, If I plan on using the boat maybe once a month or so to go fishing?? Would cycling some anti-freeze with the muffs everytime I get home from a lake be the ideal way to do it??

TIA

 

[skeat]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

If you're using the boat I wouldn't worry too much about the antifreeze issue but if you suspect that the temp is going to drop below freezing you definitely have to open all the petcocks and drains otherwise you'll be asking for trouble. I would still do the other "winterization" stuff, like pulling the outdrive (replacing the gear oil) and inspecting the bellows, greasing the drivshaft and gimbal bearings, checking and adjusting the shift cable plus any other maintenance that's due (ie water separator filter, oil change, water pump impeller etc.) A little preventative maintenance goes a long way and will also help you find little problems before they become big problems.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

You need to familiarize yourself with draining the block, manifolds, power steering coller, ISE & remove the large hose that goes to the water pump.......​

 

[Don S]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

power steering coller, ISE & remove the large hose that goes to the water pump.......

OK, I give, what is ISE

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

OK, I give, what is ISE

If So Equipped......
I'll just say "if ya have one", from now on......

 

[dmcb]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

I live in Florida in the winter and it seldom freezes there either. But it does. And it always breaks lots of stuff.
It only has to freeze once and it will be that weekend you go away.
Don't ask how I know that.
Hi Don, can I play here?
Doug

 

[Don S]

Re: what am I supposed to do??

Hi doug, Welcome to iboats. Sure you can play here. Always room for another member.