Removal for winter

jamesd2021 · 12 October 2021, 08:06

Hi all
I was wondering should I remove my smart craft gauges from the boat over winter to prevent damage. Boat being stored outside under a tarp
Thanks

Nos4r2 · 12 October 2021, 10:37

It's not hard to remove them. Far easier than removing a VHF for example.Might not be a bad idea to stop condensation.

jamesd2021 · 12 October 2021, 10:39

That's my thought too. Took me ages to get a working set that didn't cost the earth. I'll remove them so and keep them with the seats indoors

Matt · 12 October 2021, 17:45

The more you can keep everything warm and dry, they better condition it'll be in the spring. My boat spends the winter with a pair of oil heaters in it to keep the keep the condensation away.

mikew4 · 13 October 2021, 17:38

Using a plastic tarp will cause condensation. However if you use a boat cover and it is cut so it allows a through draught then chances of condensation are minimal. Mines been stored outside on the hard on the coast for 5 yrs since new....no issues. The only winterisation I do is fill the petrol tank up - 170 litres - which prevents condensation and a general rinse and engine flush in fresh water. Many folks over think winter storage....

neil.mccrirrick · 13 October 2021, 17:44

I agree I do the same only thing I’d add is I start the engine every 6 weeks or so more to get fresh fuel in the injectors more than anything else and take the batteries off to charge mid winter

HDAV · 15 October 2021, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by neil.mccrirrick

I agree I do the same only thing I’d add is I start the engine every 6 weeks or so more to get fresh fuel in the injectors more than anything else and take the batteries off to charge mid winter

I add stabiliser, but how is fuel from the tank, added at same time, fresher than the fuel in the lines?

Aren’t you just doing unnecessary cold starts? Once mine is stabilised, fogged and set up battery comes off until it’s going out again can be 2months, can be almost 5…… or more

jamesd2021 · 16 October 2021, 00:01

Do you need to fog outboards too?

HDAV · 16 October 2021, 00:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesd2021

Do you need to fog outboards too?

I don’t see why you wouldn’t but I don’t fog the lawn mower….

So not sure….what does owners manu say about long term storage and 2 banger or 4?

Page 42 onwards here suggests you should https://outboards.yamaha-owners-manu...8626-06-63.pdf

jamesd2021 · 16 October 2021, 00:05

2 stroke optimax 135. I had my mercruiser fogged but was told I had to do that

HDAV · 16 October 2021, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesd2021

2 stroke optimax 135. I had my mercruiser fogged but was told I had to do that

Mercury seem to suggest liking the cylinders in the manual I picked at random page 51 of document (58 of pdf)

https://data2.manualslib.com/pdf4/91...f5faf8fe724e67

mikew4 · 16 October 2021, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

I add stabiliser, but how is fuel from the tank, added at same time, fresher than the fuel in the lines?

Aren’t you just doing unnecessary cold starts? Once mine is stabilised, fogged and set up battery comes off until it’s going out again can be 2months, can be almost 5…… or more

What problem are you trying to solve by adding stabiliser?

HDAV · 16 October 2021, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikew4

What problem are you trying to solve by adding stabiliser?

Fuel issues come spring, could fill tank with super but stabiliser costs about the same has no real proven benefits and could be snake oil but 70l of fuel at £100 now £5 for some stabiliser seems reasonable investment

neil.mccrirrick · 16 October 2021, 12:56

Fresh fuel in the injectors is to prevent any residue where separation may occur. May all be in my head but done this for years

Cold start yup but run the engine to temperature peace of mind that it will start or if it doesn’t I have time to rectify any issues

I honestly don’t think there is a “right” answer. You do what makes you worry less is all

HDAV · 16 October 2021, 16:37

This isn’t the right one but some information on the supposed benefits of stabiliser. https://www.boatingmag.com/gear/boat...l-stabilizers/

I did find a really good one a few days ago about how stabilisers actually work and the main thing was for a. Thin layer on top of the fuel, stopping the fuel interacting with oxygen in the air. The other thing I wasn’t previously aware of was the seasonal variation in petrol to stop emissions by evaporation, I. Aware of people who due to Covid and other reasons now have 2+ year old fuel to deal with, last time I came across fuel like that it caused issues and had to be drained off it became a danger as was flammable but would not burn in a motor the owner killed a strimmer trying not to waste it…….

For £5 it’s just something I would rather not have to deal with in future.

mikew4 · 16 October 2021, 17:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDAV

Fuel issues come spring, could fill tank with super but stabiliser costs about the same has no real proven benefits and could be snake oil but 70l of fuel at £100 now £5 for some stabiliser seems reasonable investment

Ok so no reason other then perceived benefit. Quite honestly, that fiver is better off being thrown at lottery tickets. I'll save mine for a pint.

HDAV · 16 October 2021, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikew4

Ok so no reason other then perceived benefit. Quite honestly, that fiver is better off being thrown at lottery tickets. I'll save mine for a pint.

Same reason I wear a life jacket really…….. I’ll probably never need it….. but if I do need it I’d rather be wearing it than not…..lottery tickets never had any luck with them…..