Winterization cost?

[Curro]

Been meaning to winterize the boat myself for the past two weeks but keep slacking. What should I expect to pay for a complete winterization at a marina? Any recommendations for a marina not to far from the Fayetteville area?

[borderline 350]

Dear Curro,

Get outside and get the block drain plugs and lower manifold hoses off now!!! We are forecast for a hard freeze tonight!!! Wait until morning and it will be damaged. Or get it into a heated building NOW!

.......................Sincerely, X-Jet Boat Bill 6:00 PM Sunday

[Curro]

Thanks for the heads up by the way. Ended up winterizing it myself on Sunday. Change oil in motor and lower, stabilized fuel, drained water from block and manifolds then refilled with RV non-tox antifreeze, then fogged carb until motor stalled.

Thanks again..

[Adk1]

Does everyone fill up their block with RV/Marine antifreeze and leave the antifreeze in it or simply flush it out real good. I pour the antifreeze down by two top front hoses and it goes out all the holes (4) and then the lower unit. I didnt leave it full of antifreeze.

also, Curro, hope that when you fogged the engine you didnt hook it up to the muffs since you had already drained the block and added the antifreeze!

[Ray]

Does everyone fill up their block with RV/Marine antifreeze and leave the antifreeze in it or simply flush it out real good. I

I drain mine and leave it empty....air does not freeze. I am sure that you will get many different responses on this topic. I would say, do what you are comfortable with.

[borderline 350]

Dear Ray,

Just draining the engine and exhaust manifolds will work "most of the time"..... HOWEVER the late 4.3 Carb GM V-6,s have a pocket under the intake that is impossible to drain, hence cracked intake and ruined engine results. I have a customer in Gates that found out the hard way. The intake costs right on 500 to start. BEST WAY is to always fill with undiluted RV antifreeze. Better safe then sorry with winterization procedures.....Respectfully submitted....X-Jet Boat Bill

[Adk1]

oh boy..so my 1991 Mercruiser 4.3L is one of these???

[borderline 350]

Dear ADK1,

No, 1991 is a prevortec type GM V-6, the newer VORTEC style V-6's....approx. 2003 and newer may have the new style intake casting which cannot be drained properly. Sincerely,......X-Jet Boat Bill

[Curro]

also, Curro, hope that when you fogged the engine you didnt hook it up to the muffs since you had already drained the block and added the antifreeze!

I fogged it with the motor running while the antifreeze was being run through the muffs. Fogged it until the motor stalled.

[ Post made via Android ]

[Adk1]

oh ok.. i just dump antifreeze down the two top front hoses. one goes to theblock and one leads to the lower unit. that is what I did

[Chas0218]

I change the fluid in my lower and make sure it is tilted all the way down to make sure all the water is out of the lower and put it away. Gotta love outboards!

[Sk8man]

Don't forget the livewell if you have one :>)