Winterizing Newbie

Hi all,
I just bought my first Ski Nautique last weekend just in time to store it in the garage all winter. It's a '88 2001 and I'm working on winterizing it. This afternoon I drained all the water (pulled 2 block plugs, manifold plugs, "u" plug from pump, and disconnected the water intake filter). I poured 2.5 gallons of 50/50 down the RWP output hose into the block. Then I poured the remaining half gallon down the out side of the water filter to get the transmission cooler as I didn't find a drain for it. I took apart the water pump and stored the impeller in a baggie for next year. I'll be storing the boat in the garage in KS which typically does not freeze.

Did I cover the necessities? I've only owned and I/O and an outboard in the past. Do I just let the water hoses hang out for the winter while the water pump sits on my workbench? Also, there's a strong smell of fuel...I can't find any leaks, but maybe it's just part of her character?

Any advice is appreciated. I'm looking forward to using the boat and joining the Correct Craft Fan community.

Thanks!!
Travis

Sounds like you got it right to me.

Nice job, and welcome!

If you want to get some humor on the topic, go to the general discussion and look at that winterizing thread. Some funny stuff in there.

Thanks for the quick response. I'll be fogging each cylinder this weekend, but not the carb since I've already winterized. I will change oils in the spring and then get on a fall schedule as recommended. The previous owner may have already changed them when he winterized...I'll have to call him. It's been fitted with a Holley EFI...should it still be fogged in the same way?

The only pic I have of the boat is from the previous owner's ad...I put it on the water once with him and then it went straight to the garage. Getting cold here.

I'm sure I'll have many more questions as I tinker through the winter.

Take care!!

i sent a trans to Lawrence KS, would that be you?

nice looking boat btw

hello everyone,Just like the original post writer,I have an 88 sn that was very easy to winterize.However I just bought an 01 air nautique with gt40 and all the options(heater,ballast,hot-cold shower).I live in sacramento and keep the newer boat in the garage.I do wakeboard and ski all winter with drysuits as long as there isnt too much debri in the river.The temps here get too the lowest point 30 degrees and not extended just early morning hours.Would you recommend following the manual on the full winterization everytime i get home or can i get away with hanging a 40 watt drop light in the engine compartment when it does get cold.(works like a champ in my offshore engine comp but that holds two 576 mercs and a lot more room to warm up. thanks shawn

Yea, I was thinking about that.No way to put them in the exaust manifolds though.I pulled my rear seat out today to get a look at the fuel tank and ballast tanks and I definantly will be blowing those lines out along with the heater lines.Pretty sure I can get away with petcocks in everything except the impeller housing u-bend.Might just be easier to turn on the space heater in the garage,HA HA ouch$$$$
thanks Shawn
01 air
88 dominique

Thats what my concern was(clearance) .Only had the boat a month and I havent got that upclose and personal with the newer injected gt-40.I just browsed the manual and this site for tips.I am really not too concerned about it in this climate with the boat in my garage that is fully finished taped and sheetrocked.Probably never gets colder than 50 degrees in there.Have no choice with my 33 fountain,she lives under a moring cover along side the house and like i said ,I just put a drop light in the engine comp to keep it above freezing but all i have is sea strainers to empty. thanks for the info
shawn