As summer draws to a close and time spent on the water becomes less frequent, now is the best time to prepare your outboard for the fall and winter months. While the Gulf Coast rarely gets cold enough for true outboard winterization and storage needs, forgoing proper preparation for the cooler months on the water could lead to expensive repairs or sputtered startup issues next boating season.
A Guide to Preparing Your Outboard for Fall and Winter
Because the Gulf Coast stays warm enough for boaters to continue being out on the water for fishing and recreation deep into the fall and even winter months, it can be easy to overlook the importance of keeping your outboard ready to run as temperatures drop.
Just a few steps taken to prepare your Suzuki, Mercury, Honda or Yamaha outboard before and after getting out on the water this fall and winter, even if less frequently, can save you time, money and frustration by preventing common offseason problems. Cooler temperatures, stale fuel and moisture can cause issues while your boat is in storage for longer periods of time. Making a small investment in time and resources to prepare now is key to protecting your more substantial outboard investment.
The steps below include how to prepare 4-stroke outboards, including EFI models, for end-of-season on the Gulf Coast.
- Treat the fuel with stabilizer: Fill the tank completely to prevent condensation from forming in the void space.
- Run the engine after adding stabilizer: The stabilizer needs to circulate through the full fuel system, not just sit in the tank.
- Check and disconnect the battery: Check condition first, then disconnect completely so there's no slow drain over the offseason.
- Tilt the motor down: Water can enter through the prop area and freeze if the motor is left tilted up. Keep it in the down position while in storage.
If you have questions about completing these steps, give us a call or stop by our shop. Our team would be happy to walk you through the process.
End-of-Season Outboard Prep Frequently Asked Questions
The most common questions our team receives this time of year are centered around fuel, including how to stabilize the tank and how to prevent water from getting into the system during the offseason.
Q: How do I stabilize my fuel for storage?
A: Use fresh fuel, add the stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the engine for 5-10 minutes to circulate it through the system. Make sure the fuel tank is filled before running the engine.
Q: Should I run my engine after adding fuel stabilizer?
A: Yes, always run the engine for 5-10 minutes after adding fuel stabilizer to the tank. Stabilizer needs to circulate through the system instead of sitting in the tank.
Q: How full should my tank be during storage?
A: Your tank should be nearly full during storage. Leave a small amount of space for fuel expansion if storing long-term during the winter. This prevents condensation from forming in the tank.
Q: Does my outboard need to be tilted up or down in storage?
A: Tilt the outboard down during storage to prevent water pooling and freezing in the prop area. Freezing can lead to cracking in cold weather.
Q: Do I need to disconnect my battery if I’m not using my boat for a few months?
A: Yes, disconnect the battery when your boat is in long-term storage. Disconnecting the battery helps avoid slow drain during the offseason, prevents accidental short circuiting and protects long-term battery life.
Offseason Service With Gulf Coast Suzuki
Our end of season service package lets you enjoy peace of mind that your boat will be in excellent condition during the fall and winter months, even if you continue to occasionally get out on the water. Our experienced professionals know the importance of proper storage preparation and will make sure your boat is protected and ready to launch whenever you plan to be on the water. Schedule your end of season boat service and ensure your investment is well-cared for during the off season.