It’s currently wintertime here in Australia so that means that the boating season is in hiatus. A lot of boaters have put tasks upon themselves to ready their boats to survive the cold and brittle weather. While boats are usually at the forefront of utmost importance for winterization, boat engines should not be left behind with this process. Preparing your boat engine for the long cold days can help it survive throughout the winter. Boat engines should not be left without proper care because their parts may freeze which causes corrosion and other freeze-related damages. Boat engines are a bit pricey and you don’t want to buy a new engine every year (unless if you have a lot of cash to burn. But we don’t recommend nor condone this practice). Whether you have a Mercury outboard motor or a Honda outboard motor, or Suzuki, it’s always to take care of it like it’s your child.

Here are some tips you can follow on how to prepare your outboard motors and keep them safe and usable for the next boating season:

Prepare the Storage Location

Make sure that the area where you plan to store your motor is free from debris or any other obstruction that could damage or get caught up in the motor. Make sure it’s dry, clean, well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight.

Winterize the Outboard Motor

Cleaning your outboard motor will help protect it from corrosion while it is being stored. Make sure that the outboard has no damage to the motor or its parts. Disconnect the battery if you have a single motor outboard to prevent damage to the motor and electrical system.

Drain all the water from the outboard motor. Make sure the outboard is dry before doing the next step. Once the outboard is completely dry, add a fuel stabilizer. Follow the instructions from the stabilizer on how much of it you can mix with your fuel. Add the mixture to the tank. Start the engine and let it run for 15 minutes.

The next thing to do is to remove the engine cover and spray fogging oil in the carburettor inlets and spark plug holes. Start the engine again. This lubricates the cylinders and ensures your engines fire up when you’re ready to hit the water again on the next boating season.

Don’t forget to change the oil before storing your boat for the winter. Put your outboard in an upright position to drain out all of the old oil. Once it runs dry, use the gear lube pump to refill the oil. Wash the engine with water. Don’t use soap or other cleaning products should not be used to clean the engine inside since this can clog the motor and cause damage.

Cover the motor. Be sure to purchase an outboard motor cover if your boat will be out in the elements this winter. If you have an extra budget, buy a heated cover to keep your motor warm all winter season.

During the inspection, you’ll want to check the engine for any oil leaks, loose fittings, broken parts, and other damages. Note any issues you found so a marine technician can fix those issues. If you need to replace any parts, go to boating shops near you to shop for engine parts.

Secure Storage

When storing your outboard make sure you protect it from getting damaged. Place the motor on a stand or a cork floor mat to absorb vibrations and also avoid the risk of humidity and moisture damaging the motor. Keep it away from heat sources, such as furnaces or under direct sunlight, to protect the engine from getting too hot. Make sure to place the motor out of your way so it won’t block you out of doing your daily activities.

Storing outboard motors is a big job, but with the right preparation and storage techniques, you can make sure that your motor is ready to be used for many more boating seasons to come!