What you need to Winterize your Outboard or Sterndrive

Winterizing tips for do it yourselfers:

This week temperatures took a dip and it definitely feels like fall outside.  Enjoying these cooler temperatures out on the water should be very tempting right now.  Traffic on the lake will be at a minimum so it might feel like you have the lake to yourself.  While it may be a little chilly for water skiing and tubing, it's a delightful time for a nice drive on the lake or even spending day fishing.

While you are enjoying the last few weeks on the lake, keep in mind that the task of winterizing your outboard or sterndrive is around the corner.  Winterization will need to be completed before the first hard freeze.  So, boaters have a choice of taking their boat in to have it winterized by certified mechanics or performing the task on their own.  Our blog next week will cover tips on having your boat repair shop complete your winterization. If you want to get ahead of the rush, bring your boat into our shop now while the wait is minimal.

For the diy boat mechanic, preparation is key in winterizing your boat.  Having the correct marine grade oil, lube and fuel stabilizer is important to prevent potential damage down the road.  Picking this up at the auto store or large discount chain is not the way to go.  If you are saving money by doing the task yourself, put a tiny bit of that savings towards genuine Mercury Marine, Evinrude, Johnson or Volvo-Penta oils and lubes.   Below is a list of  what you need before you begin winterization.

US Boatworks customers can enjoy 10% off  your winterization items below when mentioning this blog- carry out only.

Outboard - 2 Stroke
Gear Lube
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer

Outboard - 4 Stroke
Anti-freeze
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gear Lube

Sterndrive:
Antifreeze
Fogging Oil
Fuel Stabilizer
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gear Lube