Vernon Motorsports Watercraft Winterization
It is that time of year again when all watercraft enthusiasts are considering putting their watercraft into storage for the winter. Every manufacturer provides this information in the Owners Manual for their specific requirements and every owner is urged to always refer to your Owners Manual for the specific needs of your make and model of watercraft. Here are some important tips on Watercraft storage.
Batteries
Depending on the style of battery in your watercraft, there are some precautions to be taken for winter storage. Lead acid batteries (white cases) will discharge all by themselves, about one percent per day of inactivity. These types of batteries should be charged every 2-3 weeks (as per the directions for the battery) to maintain the battery to a fully charged state. Battery Tenders do an excellent job of this. This prevents sulfation and the premature death of a battery.
More and more watercraft manufacturers are now using a Maintenance Free (black cases) batteries, which enjoy a shelf life of approximately one year. In all cases, watercraft batteries must be disconnected to prevent any current draw on them while in storage. Current draw will discharge a battery and it will sulfate if left in a partially discharged state.
All manufacturers do not warranty batteries due to sulfation so it is important to take the above precautions.
Fuel
Fuel is more stable in large quantities than smaller quantities and fuel in carburetors and injection systems will breakdown over the winter months causing sediment to form which may cause running problems the next year.
Fuel stabilizers are often utilized to prevent fuel contamination during storage. Please ensure that the manufacturer approves the fuel stabilizer you choose and your watercraft should be started and run up with stabilized fuel to ensure it is introduced throughout your entire fuel system.
Cooling Systems
Two stroke machines use the water the craft is being run in to cool the engine and exhaust systems while in operation. Residual water left over in these systems can freeze during winter storage if your watercraft is stored in an unheated area. Engines need to be run up to clear as much residual water as possible and it is important to introduce an RV Coolant to these systems to prevent the left over residual water from freezing and damaging engine cylinders and exhaust manifolds.
Most four-stroke machines have closed loop cooling systems utilizing a heat exchanger and automotive style coolant and a water pump. During winterization, it would be a good time to perform a coolant change on your machine to ensure that the coolant is strong enough to resist freezing and keeping your coolant system fresh and corrosion free.
Pump Maintenance
Some watercraft have impeller pumps that have oil reservoirs and some utilize greased bearings Either way, storage preparedness should include a pump inspection to change the oil if required and inspect the impeller and wear ring for damage. Since the pump comes out for this, it is also very important to and is a great time to lubricate the driveline splines!
Engine Fogging
Several manufacturers recommend fogging the engine cylinders for storage. This involves spraying a fogging fluid into the sparkplug holes lubricating the metal surfaces of the cylinders preventing rusting. This should be done last and an extra set of sparkplugs supplied (but not installed) is a good idea if the old sparkplugs foul due to the fogging fluid, come spring.
Engine Oil Change
On all four-stroke models of watercraft, an end of the year oil change is a must. Engine oil tends to get diluted with gas during the many startups that occur during the summer. This makes the oil more acidic and lessens the oils ability to lubricate properly. Water in the engine oil is also very corrosive to internal engine components.
Two stroke models of watercraft do not have engine oil but a reservoir of injection oil. It may be a good time to replace the oil injection filter during the winterization of your watercraft.
Storage
A good wash and wax of your watercraft is recommended before storage. This will help preserve your finish by removing dirt and oxidization from the finish. Sunlight will fade plastics and breakdown the gel coat over time. Storing your ride outside should be avoided unless you can cover your watercraft with a proper watercraft cover.
These are some of the items you need to consider when storing your watercraft for the winter. Of course, your Owners Manual must be referred to ensure all the specific needs of your watercraft are met to ensure safe storage throughout the winter months.