Steps to de-winterize?

[hpdixon3]

Hey guys, I bought a super clean 2002 Super Air Nautique yesterday. The dealer has already winterized the boat. Can anyone share how to properly de-winterize the boat when the time comes?

[vision]

For most boats, drop in water, start engine, have fun....

But it depends on what was done to "winterize" the boat. Most dealers simply flush the raw water cooling system and/or and antifreeze to the cooling system (and ballast tanks). There is usually no de-winterization required. Some will leave a hose disconnected that needs to be reconnected, but I think this is rarely done anymore. Certainly make sure all plugs are in, batteries charged and connected, and all thru-hulls are open. Open the engine compartment and look for any tags or labels as usually they will label something that needs attention prior to using the boat. When in doubt, the winterizing dealer can tell you if anything needs to be done before the first use in the Spring.

[MLA]

If done correctly, a boat can be turn-key ready for spring. I would suggest charging the battery(s) and then fire up the boat at the house, prior to the heading to the ramp. Nothing worse, then being that guy on Memorial day weekend, first time the boat has been splashed this year, mom and 6 kids standing on the dock with coolers and floats, and the boat wont start. All the while, there are 50 more trying to launch.

[hpdixon3]

thanks guys, extremely helpful info.

One last question. It's suppose to get below freezing tonight where I live. Do people generally fill their tanks up with gas? Or should I not worry about it since it's winterized already? thanks in advance

[SkiTower]

Nothing worse, then being that guy on Memorial day weekend, first time the boat has been splashed this year, mom and 6 kids standing on the dock with coolers and floats, and the boat wont start. All the while, there are 50 more trying to launch.

this is why I go for a ride after it starts to warm up but before anybody is brave enough to get in the water. Check everything out without anybody standing there waiting on you.


2007 SV211 SE

[jtryon]

thanks guys, extremely helpful info.

One last question. It's suppose to get below freezing tonight where I live. Do people generally fill their tanks up with gas? Or should I not worry about it since it's winterized already? thanks in advance

yes, i would put the appropriate dilution of fuel stabilizer in the tank then top the tank off with gas. i have used Stabil the last few years but was told that Startron is the go-to nowadays. i think Startron is recommended more for 2-stroke engines, but also works for our boat motors. hope that helps!

[vision]

If already winterized, should already have stabilized fuel. I would not do anything.

[MLA]

I so no correlation between low temps and fuel level. Now, when it begins to warm up, you will regret that full tank. The warm fuel will expand, purge out the vent and run down the side of the boat. IMO, leave fuel level as is.

[jmo]

Definitely get the detailed list of winterization steps taken by the dealer to determine what, if anything needs to be done. Some dealers drain and leave all of the drain plugs out, many people store the impeller separately so the fins don't "set" and hence leave the belts loose to facilitate reinstalling it in the spring, the batteries usually get pulled and put on trickle chargers inside.

As for the fuel question, 3/4 of a tank is ideal with stabilize. 3/4 full leaves room for tank contraction & expansion (they are plastic) and minimizes the amount of air in tank from which moisture can condense from the cold. Every year as the end of the season approaches, I start stabilizing the fuel before my last few trips out to make sure I have stabilized fuel throughout the system, as I never know when my last ski will be.

JMO

[Woody_tobius_jr]

X2 on the drain plugs on the motor, etc. I would also make sure that the water intake valve is in the ' open ' position before you flash it up.


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[DanielC]

You have to find out what was done to the boat for winterization. It is possible that all the water plugs are still out of the engine, and the raw water pump was removed form the engine, and it's impeller taken out.
You might also want to get a new raw water pump impeller, because you have no idea on how many hours are on ther old impeller.
If you can contact the dealer or person who winterized the boat, that would give you a lot of useful knowlege.