Gonyea's Marine ServiceCompetition ski boat repair · Gresham, Oregon
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Boat Winterization Do's and Don'ts

Boat on the water

There are many discrepancies as to what should be done on a vessel for winterization. Call around and you will really get confused on what to have done and what not to have done, along with price variations from $160.00 to $235.00. Read on education is priceless.

What should be included in your boat's winterization service?

  1. Change oil and filter?Yes
    It is good to have fresh lubricant around metal surfaces before a long storage and should be changed again in the spring.
  2. Fuel filter?No
    This should be changed in the spring service. Having a new filter installed before storage is just wasting your money.
  3. Ignition components, i.e. plugs, cap, rotor?No
    These also should be changed in the spring service.
  4. Drain fuel from carburetor and/or fuel injection system?No
    Stabilized fuel will be viable for up to six months. Also, by removing fuel air is present and oxidation will only start when air is present.
  5. Removal of water impeller?No
    Let me get this one straight. They want to remove an old impeller and install it back in the spring. It should simply be replaced in the spring. This is a good practice due to the high amount of debris in our waterways.
  6. Fog internal engine?Yes
    This will keep the upper cylinder walls above pistons lubricated so rust pits will not deteriorate piston ring sealing. Also this will break down carbon deposits on top of pistons and valves. That is why the carbon contaminated oil should be changed in the spring.
  7. Drain all systems that have fresh water?Yes
    Remove the water or possible freeze cracking can occur. Also add antifreeze to systems remembering where there is air there will be oxidation.
  8. Loosen all drive belts?Yes and No
    Loosening drive belts can increase belt longevity. However a good practice is replacing your belts every year. A broken belt could ruin your vacation and a lot is said for piece of mind.
  9. Stabilize fuel?Yes
    Gasoline can loose it's vitality in four months. Eventually gasoline that has deteriorated puts a coat of varnish inside fuel components limiting fuel flow.