Winterizing
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Boat Maintenance
Forum Discription: Discuss maintenance of your Correct Craft
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=14807
Printed Date: November-17-2024 at 9:19pm
Topic: Winterizing
Posted By: jchacon
Subject: Winterizing
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 12:40am
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Thanks for taking a look at this post. I would appreciate any good feedback you have to offer:
My fiance and I bought a 1993 Ski Nautique (open bow) this summer and it runs like a gem! We are first time boat owners and will admit that we don't yet know too much about winterizing expectations. Summer is rapidly coming to an end and I'm starting to think about what I need to do for top of the line winterizing. I'm thinking that taking it to a boat shop would be the best way to go, but I was hoping that somebody could give me some advice on what to expect from a boat shop's winterizing technique. Are there some key things I should make sure they do, or should I just go with the fact that they know how to "winterize" a boat. I have been looking around on the internet to try and educate myself on how to properly winterize a boat, but it seems that there are many different things to do, or not. I am open to any and all feedback. We love this damn boat and want to make sure she get's the proper winterizing. Thank you! Joey and Christina ------------- Joey Chacon |
Replies:
Posted By: SN206
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 1:06am
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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. ------------- ...those who have fallen and those who will. |
Posted By: behindpropeller
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 1:55am
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Last place I would take my boat is the dealer. Do lots of reading on here and find a local person to help you out.
Tim ------------- |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 8:31am
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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. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 10:30am
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J&C - Way to early to talk about winterizing! Get a wetsuit & you can ski into October.
Pete is right, winterizing can be done yourself in a couple hours for less than $25. Add stabil to gas tank & top off. Fog engine (while running) thru carb, then spray oil directly into sparkplug holes & turn over a few times. Drain the strainer,raw waterpump hose, trans oil cooler, u tube, block, manifolds. Add 2 gallons antifreeze into the thermostat input hose. Change oil in engine & tranny. Other things like removing battery are optional, even debatable as to value (right Pete?) No need for a dealer. ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
Posted By: 8122pbrainard
Date Posted: August-07-2009 at 11:14am
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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. ------------- /diaries/details.asp?ID=1622" rel="nofollow - 54 Atom /diaries/details.asp?ID=2179" rel="nofollow - 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete < |
Posted By: eric lavine
Date Posted: August-08-2009 at 7:44am
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over the years with a few boats, being last minute on my own stuff, I drain the block and thats it, same with my inner circle friends (freebies) 12 years or so back to back. oil changes are another topic and going by the odds its a tough call as when to change it, in the fall, no acid left but condensation, or in the spring acid without condensation????? ------------- "the things you own will start to own you" |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: August-08-2009 at 11:45am
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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?  ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: SNobsessed
Date Posted: August-09-2009 at 2:04am
Must be payback time for that cold July weekend! Greg - Yes we can say it, but it is usually with our teeth chattering! ------------- “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” Ben Franklin |
BuffaloBFN wrote:Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: August-09-2009 at 2:15am
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 ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: The Lake
Date Posted: August-09-2009 at 3:25am
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Must have been referencing your Tennessee days John. I imagine winterizing a boat in Florida involves closing the window vents.
Chuck ------------- Walk on Water www.coldwater.me http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=775&sort=&pagenum=3&yrstart=1966&yrend=1970 - 69 Ski Nautique |
Posted By: jbear
Date Posted: August-09-2009 at 3:56am
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Thats about it.
john ------------- "Loud pipes save lives" AdamT sez "I'm Canadian and a beaver lover myself"... |
Posted By: BuffaloBFN
Date Posted: August-09-2009 at 10:53am
My teeth were chattering recently. 
I keep thinking about poor Lewy! ------------- http://correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2331&sort=&pagenum=12&yrstart=1986&yrend=1990" rel="nofollow - 1988 BFN-sold "It's a Livin' Thing...What a Terrible Thing to Lose" ELO |
Posted By: lewy2001
Date Posted: August-10-2009 at 1:02am
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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.  ------------- If you're going through hell, keep going http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=2999" rel="nofollow - 89 Ski <a href="http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=5685" ta |