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Big Block Power wrote: Tue Sep 04, 2018 5:57 pm I've seen more boats for sale in Texas with cracked blocks or new engines.

They need to come further west. No winterizing here!

thunder550 wrote: Wed Sep 05, 2018 5:33 pm

Big Block Power wrote: Tue Sep 04, 2018 5:57 pm I've seen more boats for sale in Texas with cracked blocks or new engines.

They need to come further west. No winterizing here!

What's the coldest it gets there?

no_rulz25 wrote: Thu Sep 06, 2018 7:03 am What's the coldest it gets there?

We will occasionally drop below freezing, but not by much and not for very long. I think normal is to have maybe 2-3 nights each winter below freezing
Two winters ago we had 11 nights below freezing, but the low was like 28 or something and only for a couple hours. Last winter it never did at all.

I dont winterize down here in Houston either. I just drain the block and put a bilge heater in there. The boat is only an hr away so the 1 or 2 times we are forecasting a deep freeze overnight, I'll run up to the marina, back in the boat on the trailer, run the engine for 15 min then drain and plug the heater in. I do make sure to at least run the engine once a month, and its a bonus for those sunny warm-ish days (high 50s-60s) when we can go out on the water for a bit to just float and chill with some wine.

Thanks, great advice.

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Officially winterized our 2005 8.1 Merc on Sunday as we get ready to store offsite.


Since boat winterizing can be a little overwhelming (for those who tackle it themselves), I personally break it down into SEVEN overall steps:

1. First step - Interior fluids protection. Change engine oil, stabilize/treat fuel, and drain/protect potable water systems & waste.

2. Second step - Minor maintenance checks (power steering, trim, cooling sys top offs); (belt check); & outdrive fluid change and lube.

3. Third step - Engine freeze protection. Pump antifreeze into engine raw water system via muffs, then fogging prior to depletion.

4. Fourth step - Merchandise protection. Remove any valuable toys (props, tubes, etc.) and store any items not wanted on the boat (Food!, keys?).

5. Fifth step - Electrical protection. Remove both batteries to store indoors on tenders.

6. Sixth step - Moisture & Odor control--remove any remaining moisture (anchor locker, bilge, etc.) while positioning dehumidifier containers & air fresheners after cleaning interior/bilge, and buffing/waxing exterior (if necessary).

7. Final step - Trailer maintenance. Check brake fluid, tire pressure & wear, bearing lube, lights etc.



Took a few pics for anyone doing the oil change themselves showing materials necessary for the first step above on 496 MAG HO.....

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