winterizing bass boats

"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

"big fish 2003" wrote in message
...
what all do you guys do to winterize your bass boats? I'm in michigan.


I don't really winterize my boat, preferring to keep it ready for fishing
on
the rivers or a quick trip south. But, every fall, I do the following.

Change the lower unit lube.
Shoot some fresh grease into the Bearing Buddies on the trailer, re-pack
the
wheel bearings if that hasn't been done in a while.
Clean the boat up, vacuum the carpet, wipe down the hull
Slightly prop open the compartments to allow air circulation
Empty out all the "stuff" that's accumulated.
Make certain that all four batteries are fully charged.

Additional things that could/should be done, that I don't.

Fog the engine.
Add enough fuel to fill the tank and add Stabil (or any other fuel
preservative) to the gas tanks
Bring in all tackle, change line, clean/lube reels, clean the handles on
the
rods, check eyes/thread wraps for damage, replace rusted hooks on lures,
re-organize the lures (getting rid of those that didn't produce)
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com



I'm with you all the way on what you do Steve, except that I do fog the
engine (and by doing so, the carbs) and I do add Sta-Bil to the fuel system.

Also, once charged up, I unhook my batteries from the boat's power wires
(but leave my on-board smart charger connected) and plug in my charger at
least once every month I don't get out on the water, for a day or so, to
make sure the batts stay up and don't dip too far into the dead zone.

I've also taken to putting my boat up on jack stands if it is to be idle for
any length of time, to keep the tires from "flat spotting" so badly.

As for tackle removal and cleaning, I do that after every trip. I don't get
to go out enough, so I have plenty of time for cleanup after each day on the
water. ;-)