I want to do this! What's This? ..
It signifies the end of summer when you pull the boat out of the water and get it ready for winter storage. Of course, if you own a boat you know it's not quite that simple. You have to winterize the motor, which is probably the most important thing you do regarding maintenance of your boat. The following guidelines will help you take the right steps to winterize your boat motor.

1
Pull your boat out of the water. Thoroughly wash and clean the entire boat including the deck and the cockpit areas. Don't forget to run and drain the bilge pump so nothing is left in that line and leave the plug out while in storage. If your boat has toilet facilities, drain, flush and clean these areas as your boat manufacturer recommends. Leave the storage areas open so moisture doesn't build up inside. Make needed repairs or make a list of things that need to be repaired before putting the boat back in the water next boating season. Place life jackets in an area where they can air out.

2
Take special care to "winterize" your boat motor. Fill the fuel tank first with some fuel stabilizer and second with marine fuel. Run the motor long enough to make sure the gas treatments have reached the fuel lines and engine area. This will keep the fuel remnants from spoiling in the tank or turning into a gummy varnish, which may ruin your tank, not to mention the condensation and oxidation that may occur.

3
Flush out the cooling system to clean out or "flush out" sediment or bits of rust. Start this by removing the plug to drain the water from the engines. Use a "flushing kit" that you can purchase from a boat supply or boat dealer. Then, pump back into the cooling system some anti-freeze. If you don't flush out the cooling system, you can have ice freeze in the line and seriously damage or ruin your engine.

4
Spray the engine with oil that will help to prevent rust build up. It is recommended that you use fogging oil that you can purchase at a boat supply or boat dealer. This type of oil is specially formulated to not slide off the boat cylinders, but rather stick to it. The fogging oil can be sprayed through the spark plug holes once the engine has cooled down enough to remove them. Don't forget to replace the oil and the oil filters as well. Change out the lubricant in the lower unit gear casing. You don't want any water left in these areas as it will freeze and cause damage to the gear casing.

5
Take a good look at the prop on the boat. This is your chance to examine it for nicks and damage. If your prop isn't in good condition it can cause a "trickle down effect" to damage other parts of the engine.

6
Refer to your instruction book or owner's manual to be sure that you can use a moisturizing spray lubricant, like a silicone product, on the electrical terminals and fuse panels. Check out your steering system and make any necessary adjustments.

7
Cover your boat with a boat cover made for your model of boat if the boat will be stored in an outdoor area.