Winterizing

It was hard to believe that it was the middle of summer and the water and weather is still that cold. A bit different to the middle of summer down here. I was cold to the bones. But the company was special. I think Kristof has the right idea of attending a reunion further south.

Our winters get cooler than Florida but no special needs for winterising. Other than cover on, change oil and put on battery tender. I still like to start it once a month and run to operating temp.

Thats about it.

john

SNobsessed wrote: BuffaloBFN wrote: Those of you up north...can you say December?     Must be payback time for that cold July weekend! Greg - Yes we can say it, but it is usually with our teeth chattering!

Hey Greg...we'll be footing in December.

Winterizing is so easy even I can do it. Always did my own boats and those of a few friends after my bro taught me years ago.

john

I don't think we even have a CC dealer on Lanier anymore. I'm sure someone selling boats could sell one to me, but...

I think the best policy is to learn how to do it on your own. I say that mostly because we use ours to near the last minute, and then winterize when the time comes. Also, if you have a nice spring you can go for a few early runs!!!

Those of you up north...can you say December?    

Chris,
Yes, I'm not one who believes in taking a battery inside. If it's in good shape and has a good charge then theres no reason. I've never taken mine in. Disconnect and leave in the boat. I always got a kick out of my father-in-law insisting on his batteries being stored inside his lake house over winter. Come January 1st, he would drain the house and shut off the heat!!!!

JC,
I'd like to comment again on the dealer winterizing. You will pay dearly for what I consider minimal work. $500 to $600 isn't unheard of!!! Then some will even tell you to bring the boat back in spring for "summerizing"!!! That involves connecting the battery, putting it in the lake (or getting cooling water to it) and turning the key!

The most important thing about winterizing is draining the block to get the water out. Your engine will have 5 drain plugs. The locations are in the manual as well in threads here. Adding antifreeze is really optional. The practic only stated I'd say about 25 to 30 years ago. Some marinas still don't do it unless requested. It's more of a safety factor than anything.

I agree with Tim and not taking it to a dealer. Winterizing can be done by anyone with basic skills. Take a look at the PCM manual here in our ref section. If you have a friend who has done it and is willing to help out fantastic as long as he doesn't use the "pump through" method. Drain and pour per the manual! Use the search feature and if you can't find any of the threads, we'll help with links, There are several with pictures.

Do plan on a fall oil/filter change as well.

Since this would be your first winterization and posssibly the first maintainance, I would suggest taking it to a Correct Craft dealer for the service. This would give you a chance to have a good "once-over" from a certified mechanic, but also a chance to build a relationship with a dealer. Often they can pick up on things that could save you money in the long run or something the PO might have missed himself. With the boat being 16 years old you will likely need some parts replaced in the near future and your local dealer or one of the links her at the site would be a good source. However, if you had plannned to do it yourself you came to the right place. Alot of the guys here could do it blind-folded. Also check out the refrence section for a possible service manual.