Winterizing your V-Drive Boat

Maintenance is one of the most over looked and undesirable things about owning any boat. Winterizing is no exception, none of us look forward to this, because its just a reminder that summer is over.

There are several different ways you can winterize your boat, these depend on how cold winter gets in your area.

I am going to talk about my way, it may not be the best, but it works for me. I'd like to hear your way of doing things, so share below.

Step 1: Drain the water from your hull!

It may seem basic, but sometimes it can be difficult to get all the water out from under seats and under false bottom floors. Make sure you remove your seat cushions to allow things to dry so mold does not grow when you park it for the winter.

Make sure you jack your trailer up as high as you can get it, allowing all the water to drain out the back of the boat.

Step 2: As your letting your interior dry, drain the water from you engine.

In colder climates, some winter nights are below freezing. No one wants to deal with a cracked engine block, burst water lines or cracked exhaust manifolds in the spring!

I disconnect all water hoses on at least one end of the hose (usually the lower side). I then use compressed air to blow into the engine block, just to get a little more water out just in case. Does this drain it all? No of course not, but it doesn't take long and its worth the effort.

Step 3: Carburetor maintenance!

Unless you run your boat out of gas completely, there will still be gasoline in each carburetor bowl. Letting this sit for months can cause gunk to build up inside the bowl and the ethanol in most fuel over time will slowly dry out your gaskets. This can cause leaks in the spring.

I use Marvel Mystery Oil as my cure. I use a small plastic syringe, similar to those kids use for medication. I fill the syringe with Marvel Mystery Oil and slowly squirt as much as I can into the carburetor fuel bowl vents. I've found the oil lubricates the gaskets and its prevents gunk from building up inside the bowl. Note: I use the syringe, because attempting to pour into the small vent hole does not work very well.

I also use Marvel Mystery Oil as a fuel additive during every fill up.

Step 4: Fuel Treatment

Do yourself a favor and try not to park your boat with a full tank. Most v-drive boats are carbureted and not fuel injected. I know my boat, does not like 6 month old gasoline.

Unless you want to drain your fuel tank every winter, make it easy on yourself and add a fuel stabilizer to your tank. I personally like Lucas Fuel Stabilizer, but any other brand should work.

Step 5: Disconnect your batteries.

Even if your ignition is turned off, there is still the possibility of a small electrical draw on your battery and over a few months they will be dead. If you want your batteries to last, get a battery maintainer! If you are lucky enough to store your boat inside with power, get a battery maintainer/charger. If you store your boat outside, get a solar battery maintainer. I personally like the smart Suner Power waterproof solar charger and maintainer, it has worked well for me and stood up to the elements. Suner Power has 5w, 10w and 12w options.

These are some of the steps I do each winter. By no means are they all you should do, nor am I a performance engine builder. These are just basic things boat owners should be able to do on their own without having to pay a shop. Let me know your thoughts at Classic V-Drives!