When to Winterize?

[bezerk1]

I hate to be the one to bring this up but, when is it time to winterize? I was hoping for one more good day out on the lake. Don't think it is going to happen now. I'm located in North East PA.

 

[Natesms]

Re: When to Winterize?

Before the first time it freezes.

If you are sure you won't use it again do it while it is warmer outside and just get it done. Much better to take your time and do it right than to have to rush through it when a cold snap hits.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: When to Winterize?

You have an I/O or Outboard? You can chop the OB out of the ice and then winterize it. The I/O needs to be winterized before the ice gets thicker than 1/8"

 

[tpenfield]

Re: When to Winterize?

As mentioned . . . you want to winterize before the first freezing temperatures come to your area.

If your boat is kept in the water, then usually you can get a longer season, by a few weeks (maybe). If you trailer and leave the boat outside, then you probably need to be winterizing by mid-late October. Seems like you still have some time left to get out a few more times.

My ritual is for Columbus Day . . .

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: When to Winterize?

You don't winterize an outboard, other than to store it vertical, not tilted, if outside. But if it isn't going to be used for a few months, some like to fog the cylinders and/or drain the carbs.

The fuel in the tank needs to be either pumped out and used in the car, or treated, if it will sit for a few months and if it is E10.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: When to Winterize?

It look like you can expect your First Frost in NE PA the third week of October.
Ohio is about the same. I wait till the beginning of October just in case Indian Summer makes an appearance.

A 60 watt trouble lamp under the engine can save the day (night) in case of a freak cold snap.

 

[ziggy]

Re: When to Winterize?

i usually winterize about 3rd week of oct. too.
what i usually do though is watch for freezing overnight temps. if ya got an i/o, and if the forecast is anywhere near freezing for overnight lows, all i do is get the water out of the block. mercruiser calls it extending the season. i usually end up doing this 3-5 times before i really get down to winterizing. usually, late oct. it does depend on the year though. i've winterized in early oct. and other years i've gone into early nov. prior to putting her to sleep for the winter.
the key for i/o's is. get all the water out of the cooling system. then it's safe from freeze damage. i store mine w/o anything in the cooling system. ie, no anti freeze. just air. it don't freeze and is safe to the lowest of temps.

 

[Mason78]

Re: When to Winterize?

I winterize on Sept. 27th. Because hunting season starts Sept. 28th:joyous:

 

[southkogs]

Re: When to Winterize?

Winters are kinda' easy around here, and I also store in an insulated garage - so, long about late October I start making sure I drain the block and drive after any outing we go to the lake.

Now, ask me if I remember close all those valves on our first run in the spring ... :facepalm:

 

[moosehead]

Re: When to Winterize?

Here, if timed just right, it's after first snowfall but before the hard water. Some guys here will get to hunting grounds from aboard, and bring their Elk back draped across the bow.

That said, completely agree with point above that better to be early than late. There's nothing worse than draining water and changing oils in an iron block in subzero temps.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: When to Winterize?

HHMmmm-- the town of North East Pa or north eastern PA? I remember the days around North East PA,,, then I moved and find no reason to winterize and use the boat all year. It gets too cold up there. IF,, IF I want to see snow again there is always The Weather Channel.

 

[ricohman]

Re: When to Winterize?

I am doing this tomorrow. It can freeze anyday now. I think last year it was snowing already.

 

[BrianNJ]

Re: When to Winterize?

> if the forecast is anywhere near freezing for overnight lows, all i do is get the water out of the block.
Same here. If on a trailer, open the drains, remove the bilge plug, pull the boat on the trailer up and down some hills, crank (but don't start) the engine to clear the pump. This is basically what the manual recommends.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: When to Winterize?

OK,,, so next week there are some lows coming in the high 60s...

I am doing this tomorrow. It can freeze anyday now. I think last year it was snowing already.

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: When to Winterize?

You have an I/O or Outboard? You can chop the OB out of the ice and then winterize it. The I/O needs to be winterized before the ice gets thicker than 1/8"

When I was in Homer, AK, I noticed that they would have engine block heaters for their cars in the garage, but the outboards at the docks were just down in the water and used at least weekly.

 

[ricohman]

Re: When to Winterize?

How easy can the outdrive freeze? Or the leg on an outboard? I have been thinking of taping the prop exhaust shut so water or snow does not get in there.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: When to Winterize?

How easy can the outdrive freeze? Or the leg on an outboard? I have been thinking of taping the prop exhaust shut so water or snow does not get in there.

leave it down and it will stay dry

 

[moosehead]

Re: When to Winterize?

Our lake is at 8,300' elevation, with below freezing temps most nights starting mid to late Sept. Many I/o's don't pull out until late October as the sterndrive left in warmer water keeps the whole thing from freezing as noted above. That said, we pull out in late Sept as it feels like tempting fate otherwise.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: When to Winterize?

I live on the Barnegat Bay in NJ. The water in the lagoon doesn't freeze until Jan, if then. As long as I kept my I/O boat in the water, the outdrive wouldl be fine. I used to worry about the block freezing, however. I ended up putting a heating pad (think toothache) under the oil pan. My plan was to keep the oil warm, and it would be easier to start and would keep the entire block warm.

Never had an issue, and I did plenty of striper fishing into Jan.

 

[bezerk1]

Re: When to Winterize?

Interesting responses. I think I'm gonna give it another week or two. My second job is at a ski resort. I just started today prepping the mountain getting it ready for ski season. Time is going to be at a premium for the next 6 months. I like the trouble light in the engine compartment idea in case of a night below 32.

Moosehead, I can just imagine a boat cruising down the lake with a bloody elk strapped to the bow. 3 or 4 hunters standing in the stern decked out in camo holding their rifles with an NRA flag flying off the wake tower. I would love every second of it.

BTW I have an IO. A venerable OMC Cobra.