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Winter
Boat
Maintenance
How many times have you heard bass anglers say that their motor blew up or wouldn’t perform properly on that first late winter/early spring fishing trip?
Usually the blame is placed on motor failure or bad gas. The reality is that the angler’s failure to properly winterize his outboard caused the problems.
Today’s outboards are computerized and are more sensitive to fuel quality. Since most bass anglers are running 150 horsepower or more the following suggestions pertain to them. Smaller engines have slightly different requirements and owners manuals should be consulted.
According to Tracker Service Center technician Keith Eubanks, fuel treatment and cleaner should be used all year and not just during periods of inactivity. Keith attributes carbon buildup ad the main culprit. The carbon particles can breakup and can major problems to pistons, cylinder walls and bearings. Fuel may have water, debris or may have “soured” from setting in storage for a long period of time.
Keith warns that extra precautions need to be taken when motors are not used for 60 days. Manufacturor’s maintenance requirements state that spark plugs should be removed and TWC rated oil be placed in each cylinder; then pistons are moved manually with the flywheel to distribute the oil in each cylinder wall.
The Midwestern winter months have proven to be mild enough to allow many anglers to fish at least monthly and with many anglers traveling to southern warmer lakes to fish the need for the full blown winterization is not needed for most motors. However; Keith warns that fuel injection systems can start gumming up in a short period of time. Fuel stabilizers like Sta-Bil and Mercury Precision Fuel Treatment should be used regularly during these inactive weeks. Many gasoline producers contain alcohol which can accelerate moisture problems. This only compounds problems and the need for fuel treatment additives.
Here are some definite recommendations for boat/motor preparation:
Fuel Treatment
• Use Mercury Precision Fuel Treatment or StaBil
• Make sure that motor is run long enough to get additive to all injectors(20 minutes)
• Use fuel additives all year for total protection
Lower Unit
• Drain and refill
Batteries
• Full charge needed
• Maintain full charge
Trailer Bearings
• Refill bearings with grease
• Check oil bearings for any discolor or milky appearance.
Boat
• Check live wells and open drain
• Remove drain plug
• Remove electronics
Many anglers forget to check livewells or bilge wells for water after their last fishing trip, this can damage pumps or can even cause fiberglass cracks. Raise the front of trailer with tongue jack to drain your boat properly.
Always lower your motor when you have just pulled out of the water to drain any water from the unit.
All batteries that are stored in unheated areas should be kept at full charge, batteries can freeze if they are discharged. Remove to warm areas or use a battery charger capable of maintaining a trickle charge. Do not overcharge as this can be harmful to batteries as well.
Trailer bearings can also hold water so make sure to fill completely with grease to flush out any water. Also check oil filled bearings for discolor or the presence of water. Oil floats so look at bottom of cover for water.
Remove electronics if you can. LCD’s can be damaged from extreme cold.
If you are a “do it yourself” person, most of the needed supplies can be bought at your local O’Reilly Auto Parts stores, however; what do you do if you are mechanically challenged or you simply do not have the time or equipment to perform the necessary preparations? Tracker Service Center Manager Mike Sneed and his staff will perform all the manufacturor’s recommendations for $99.95; this includes draining and replacing lower unit grease and adding fuel treatment, plus checking for other problems. Mike stated that they run the motor until fuel additives have completed the fuel circuit. This is a bargain for many anglers and if appointments are made you can easily get one day service.
The prevention of many boat/motor problems can be easily avoided by proper maintenance if anglers follow their respective boat/motor manufacture’s recommendations. Proper maintenance will provide for more fishing time and fewer mechanical failures.
