Winterizing

[Giantsfan]

I live here in Reno, temperatures get pretty cold during the winter, but I have my boat stored in the garage. I have a friend who has a boat and says he doesn't winterize his. How do I know if I should or not ? Again, its stored in the garage. Any thoughts would be appreciated...

[seapuppy]

well..first thought is that if the pwr went out for an extended period..would the garage freeze up....there's more to just draining the water out of the drive..if your definitely not going to use it till next spring...the anti freeze in the engine protects and coats the inside of the engine..and keeps the engine from freezing...also change the oil...the acids will eat at parts of the engine.....I'd winterize if it were me...

[Flying_Maxum]

If it gets below freezing, you atleast want to drain the block and cooling system, and do an oil change. Even in the garage, it can get pretty cold. Cheap insurance considering the cost of a new engine, just ask my in-laws, they had to replace theirs this spring because they didn't winterize it! If you still use it all winter, it is easy enough to put the plugs back in, then drain again when you pull it out.