DIY Boat Winterization Supply Guide

Winterizing tips for do-it-yourselfers:

This week daytime temperatures are dipping into the 60's and it finally feels like fall outside.  Enjoy these cooler temperatures by taking your boat out for a quick drive while you can.  Traffic on the lake will be at a minimum; you may have the lake all to yourself.  It may be a little chilly for water skiing and tubing, but it’s a delightful time for a nice drive on the lake or even spending the 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 must be completed before the first hard freeze.

What is a responsible boat owner to do? You have two choices:

1. Have your boat engine winterized by certified mechanics
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.

2. Winterize your motor on your own.
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 some 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.  Stay tuned for more winterizing tips on this blog or search our archives for tips from previous seasons.

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

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

Winterization Service Options

Winterizing your motor before the first hard freeze is extremely important to prevent expensive damage come spring time.  A cracked block as a result of freezing will cost thousands of dollars not to mention missed time out on the lake next spring while you wait for your motor to be repaired.  Spend the time and the money to have one of our certified technicians properly winterize your boat before it's too late.

As more and more boats arrive to our shop for winterization, it seems appropriate to review the service options from US Boatworks.  We offer three levels of winterization service to meet everyone's needs.  Feel free to review your options before you come in with your boat.  We are happy to answer all questions you may have regarding our winterizing process & look forward to seeing you soon.

Don't wait too long to winterize your outboard motor!

The BASIC service includes the following:

• Stabilize fuel
• Fog engine
• Drain and refill block with anti-freeze
• Check engine oil
• Check gear oil

The STANDARD service includes the same as the basic service above plus the engine oil & gear lube is changed:

• Stabilize fuel
• Fog engine
• Drain and refill block with anti-freeze
• Check engine oil
• Check gear oil
• Change engine oil
• Change gear lube

The DELUXE service includes all the items in the above standard service plus we pull the outdrive to inspect for wear, inspect bellows, grease u joints, check alignment and grease the bearing.

• Stabilize fuel
• Fog engine
• Drain and refill block with anti-freeze
• Check engine oil
• Check gear oil
• Change engine oil
• Change gear lube
• Pull the outdrive & inspect for wear, inspect bellows, grease u joints, check alignment and grease the bearing.

Have you used our 10% off coupon code?

Spring break week here in Kansas City is winding down.  Time to look forward to those warm summer months when you can get your boat out on the lake.  Are you ready?  If not, check out our sale below for savings on your boat parts order.

There are still a few more days to take advantage of our Spring Break Price Break.  Customers who purchase from our online store through Sunday will receive 10% off their order.  Simply enter coupon code SPRINGSAVE10 at checkout to receive your discount.

US Boatworks stocks over 2 million boat parts from Mercury, Mercruiser, Evinrude, Johnson, OMC, Volvo-Penta, Mariner and more.  We are your one stop shop for those hard to find, obsolete parts.  Be sure to try our micro-fiche online parts look up for easy shopping. You will be glad you did.   Shop Now