First winter with new boat.

[FHF]

I purchased a new a Ranger VS1680 with a Suzuki 90 in September. We live in an area in NC where the winters are typically mild so I plan to still use my boat during the winter when it’s not freezing. I don’t plan on it sitting unused for longer than a month (hopefully).


Since it is stored in a heated garage, are there any precautions I should take as far as winterizing goes?


Thanks

[Mechanic Bob]

No if it is in a heated garage. If you have any concerns, just leave the motor in the down position when storing it. Also top off the gas tank.

[gatorglenn]

Northern Indiana, heated garage no issues. I pull it out once a month, when it’s above freezing. Run it on the muffs for about 5-10 mins. Let it drain and back in the garage she goes. Couple times a winter I’ll go south for some fishing. That’s why I don’t winterize it, as if it’s going to sit for 5 months.

[n2ratfishin]

Mine sits in a detached garage without heat or air. I use non ethanol fuel and add stabilizer. I plug in my batteries every week or so. It’s ready to go chase white bass, tilapia, whatever when I am.

[PolarKraft195]

Nope! I would keep fresh gas in it, meaning no need to fill up.i would not top off gas tank. I live in ohio, and I NEVER top off my tank for winter. If so, you then have 5 month old gas in tank. I keep tank as low as possible, and put stabilizer in it. Then in spring, add "fresh" gas, and fish. Never understood the " top tank off" philosophy.???

[Mechanic Bob]

Top off because here in NC it is very humid and condensate is wicked!

[tcesni]

This will be my third winter in VA and I haven't winterized my boat the prior two winters. At the worst I might go 4 weeks without using it in late January/February. I keep the tank nearly full with non-ethanol fuel and use stabilizer. If its a warm day I go drag a jig around for a bit or throw a crankbait on some rip rap and it often pays off. Remember if you use your boat in the winter to let it warm up properly before putting the hammer down, that can take some extra time when the water is cold.

[PolarKraft195]

Top off because here in NC it is very humid and condensate is wicked!

With the material tanks are made of these days, and the venting systems, condensation is a thing of the past.

[Mechanic Bob]

With the material tanks are made of these days, and the venting systems, condensation is a thing of the past.

You are wrong! I can't tell you how many boat I have serviced that the main issue was water in the fuel system.
I do the same with my generator, lawn mower, ... and have not had an issue, but seen way too many combustion engines that have had issue with a near empty tank.

[jtracc]

With the material tanks are made of these days, and the venting systems, condensation is a thing of the past.

This is so not true where you get this info from...?

[FHF]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I certainly use only non-ethanol and store it with the motor down to make sure it drains well. If I don’t get to take it out in 4-6 weeks I plan to pull it out and run it with the muffs for a few minutes. As Richard Gene says, “go fish in’ when ya can ‘cause it’s goooood fer ya”!

[Great Scott]

I've owned a boat since I was 20 yrs old and am now 73
and I have never filled a tank because winter was approaching.
In most cause through out the yr I never carried more than half
a tank. I dont run ethanol gas, and treat ever tank as if it was.
I very seldom fish much during the winter anymore. I've owned steel,
plastic and aluminum tanks and knock on wood I have never had
a water problem. My boats have always been in an unheated garage.
LDS

[Mechanic Bob]

Do what you what. All I am saying is either store with vapor or liquid. Which one is more susceptible to moisture infiltration and degrade.