If I get the boat I'm after, and I keep it in the garden over winter, apart from winterising it as Flanker suggests, how else should I protect the engine. I was going to cover the whole boat/engine with a waterproof tarpaulin. Should I wrap the engine in blankets/hay/ prior to covering, to help prevent freezing or does it not matter or is it better to let the air circulate.
Originally posted by Red Fox Should I wrap the engine in blankets/hay/...
No, that's the procedure for winterising a horse!
...but seriously, the most important thing is to make sure that water is allowed to drain out. If any (fresh) water is trapped in a waterway, it will expand when it freezes, and crack the component. It doesn't matter how strong the component is - freezing water WILL expand and crack even a strong casting
When I kept my earlier boat out of doors I ran the outboard in a barrel until the engine was fully warm. (Important to make sure you get the water round the power head) then mix some antifreeze in with the water in the barrel and run for a while.
This made sure that the antifreeze got everywhere, hence any water tht remained after the barrel was removed had antifreeze in it and so would not freeze. This mix also helps prevent corrosion.
I then fitted a cover to keep the rain of the engine but allowed air to circulate.
Also make sure you service the engine, anti corossion spray, oil change etc before storing.
Also have a look a few posts down, Flanker has done quite a in depth guide, well worth a read.
1. Using a "bucket" to hold flushing water may result in the water being blown out of the bucket by the exhaust port. Use a dustbin/barrel or something deep.
2. If your motor is a 2-stroke, remember that the exhaust fumes are even more toxic than from a 4-stroke enigine.
