winter storage

[cat25]

for the 3 years of owning the boat have taken to nearby boatyard for winter storage.

we have our own private dock and the launch ramp into the harbor is within walking distance. just thinking why not buy used trailer and store in our driveway saving the storage fees? can still take to the boatyard in the spring for any motor maintenance.

have never done before but just wondering how involved would be to winterize the boat myself? (keywest 2020dc / evinrude 150 etac)

thoughts?

thanks

 

[ziggy]

Re: winter storage

thoughts?

man, ya got it made with what ya've described.
i'm a trailer boater. sure i got my own house. on a 48'X138' lot. i literally sleep next to my boat. it's on the other side of the wall exposed to the elements. i see the drive out my bedroom window, my hardtop out the bathroom window and the bow out the ft bedroom. my 1 ton vans sits in ft. of that in my one car, white rock driveway. i don't really have a problem with how i park my stuff. so far i've done all the maint. to my boat. winterizeing is the least of what i've done. just this year it's become routine and didn't seem particularly labor intensive. famous last words i'm sure. anyways, do it man. you'll be hip..

get a oem service manual for your o/b and read it. i'm sure it'll tell you all ya need to know to service your engine. if ya don't understand. ask away on iboats. folks here like to help out..

ps, it cost me nothing to store my boat. short of covers and maint...

edit. gee, i almost forgot. i got two boats on my small lot. a doa 16'trisonic sits in my back yard awaiting revival....maybe..

 

[fat fanny]

Re: winter storage

Saving $ these days is the only way to go and as for the maintenance it's the same basically as a car with some twists but the starage deal is easy I bought a tarpped garage from TSC and it;s held up great for the 5 yrs, and it keeps the sun off it but as Zig said a service manual is a must for the engine and outdrive.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: winter storage

Evinrude E-tec 150 is outboard, there's really nothing you have to to the motor or boat for that matter, get it clean and dry and cover it, maybe charge the battery once or twice overwinter. you probably don't have any fresh water systems in your 20'er to fuss with.
If you want to pamper your boat the list goes on.

 

[dlngr]

Re: winter storage

Evinrude E-tec 150 is outboard, there's really nothing you have to to the motor or boat for that matter, get it clean and dry and cover it, maybe charge the battery once or twice overwinter. you probably don't have any fresh water systems in your 20'er to fuss with.
If you want to pamper your boat the list goes on.

He will need to change the bottom end oil,and I always add some stabil to the gas.But there's really not much to "winterizing" an outboard!

 

[jmarty10]

Re: winter storage

Here is my winter storage option for this year. So far the garage is working great!

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: winter storage

Your setup is the same as mine. Our property is also within walking distance to the dock. i have a pontoon boat and trailer it to the property, change the oil, add stabil to the fuel, tarp the boat and wait for spring.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: winter storage

I also agree on the lower end lube change before the store.

Keep special attention on what comes out..

YD.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: winter storage

I noticed the reply regarding the tarp. Just an option here. A tarp storage building may be an option. As you know, the boat covers can wear easily and often cause rub marks. If you purchase one of the tarp buildings, make sure it is a high quality unit. If the cover is thin, maybe a problem. "you get what you pay for". See site below for some options.
http://www.portablegarageshelter.com

I have yet to find a tarp type portable garage that I would put my faith in to cover the boat for a winter season in Muskoka. Last year the total snow accumulation was 18.5 feet, with the first major snowfall dumping 4 feet of the white stuff. I built a 2x4 frame on the deck with a 45 degree slope and then covered it with a 14x14 thread tarp. We'll see if my handy work holds up till spring.