Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

[OscarNav]

Do most of you guys/gals use an outboard cover (with a FULL boat cover) after wintering your boat..? I was looking online and saw they sell some, the kind that covers the WHOLE outboard motor., closes via a zipper. I'm thinking on purchasing one, just need to know your takes on these? Are they worth it, or would a tarp with bungees work? Here in Idaho we get low teens in the heart of winter, sometimes colder. Good amount of snow as well. My boat cover uses straps that adjust and tighten, but the cover does not extend to catch the Merc. 125 motor i have.

Whats your take...?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

My Gambler full cover contains a insulated engine cover with it.
Don't know how much it helps in the cold, but it protects the 225 back there from dirt etc.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

If the cover doesn't fit very well (e.g., loosely) wind can make it flap and wear away at the finish. If it fits well, it will do a good job of preventing sun damage (fading). Other than that, outboards don't need anything special for physical protection. They are self draining and provided they have been winterized properly it will sleep well. I use a home-made cowl cover and it's installed whenever the boat is not used. The boat is also inside so the cover helps eliminate accidental nicks and dings.

 

[OhWellcraft]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

OscarNav, I live just down the pike a bit here in Utah and our winters are very similar. I have always looked at the OB covers but never purchased one. As stated above if put down properly it will be fine for the winter. I always put a cover and a big tarp over the boat for the winter. Once the cover is on I build two A frames out of 2X4 with a long 2X4 at the peak to connect them together(kind of like a swingset frame) Then put the tarp over that and bungee the edges to the trailer. All the snow and rain slide right off and I have the back extended past the OB to keep it protected as well. If you do put anything on or around the OB make sure it doesn't hold water in any way this can keep it frozen which isn't good. Also always a good idea to change the LU lube before winter just incase there is a bit of water in there it will get rid of it and save your LU case, then it is all ready in the spring.

 

[OscarNav]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

Thanks for your input. Being a 1st time boat owner as of 2 months ago, i have no idea what all i needed. I saw an add in the local newspaper, $100 to winterize your outboard boat motor. I don't know what all they do for this price, but it does sound very reasonable for the peace of mind of having an experienced boat mechanic (Local Marina) perform this service.

I have read plenty threads stating that outboard motors are self draining, so what is the whole reason behind winterizing an outboard motor..? Other than the LOWER UNIT having a bit of water and most likely cracking the housing as the water freezes, what other services should i be asking the marina to perform as part of the winterization process....? I'm sure services vary from place to place. What are the MOST inportant i need to have done for a safe winter sleep?

-I will be pulling the batteries out, charge and store them inside.
-Vacum and clean interior of boat.
-Pull the fishfinder display.
-Wash and cover the boat.
-Put jackstands on the rear axle to have the weight off the tires all winter.
-Lube the bearing buddies, and steering arm on the outboard.
-Lube the trailer electrical (Dielect grease (Sp) plug and cover with bag.
-Keep the motor in the upright position.

So i ask myself, is changing the lower unit oil basicly worth $100 when i can do that myself, if thats the only inportant step i should be concerned about or missing...? Please advise.

 

[dimock44]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

Fog the carbs

 

[roscoe]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

Fog the engine and sta-bil the fuel, or remove the fuel and use it in another engine.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Wintering issue, Outboard cover.

Fog the engine and sta-bil the fuel, or remove the fuel and use it in another engine.

Yep...now give the $100 to Roscoe..