Winter Storage Preparation

[tpfahy]

Charlie Rock (R23) is going into storage for the first time at the end of October. She will be in a heated, indoor facility (Pugh's in Racine WI). I have access to AC power. Suggestions for winterization steps? Anti-freeze in freshwater system and head (in the event of power/heat loss at the storage facility)? Electric warm air circulator, or de-humidifier (Caframo Limited Stor-Dry Warm Air Circulator)/ (Eva-Dry Edv-2200 Powerful Electric Mid-Size Dehumidifier) or both? Power-wash and a coat of wax on the hull. Removing any food, empty and defrost the fridge and freezer. Drink the remaining Lagunitas! Stabil and fuel treatment in a quarter tank of gas. Any insights and suggestions appreciated.

 

[knotflying]

If you are concerned about freezing then RV antifreeze in domestic water tank and run through all supply water lines should be done. If you can empty the water heater and bypass that, that will save on antifreeze. Make sure you put some in your shower drain and before removing bilge plug run some through the aft bilge pump. Also run some through your head.
When I had an outboard I used to empty the tank and run some 100LL airplane fuel through, but I tend to be overkill. I think I would fill the tank and use a gas stabilizing formula. The engine should be run out of fuel and fogged. I also removed my plugs and squirted in some fogging liquid in there and cranked the engine and then reinstalled the plugs. Changing the oil and lower gear oil is a recommended procedure.

Remove all food. I would also put in some air freshener or better still, I always use Kenberra. Since you have power, keep your charger on to keep the batteries topped up. You may also take the opportunity to clean all the battery terminals and any wire connections.

Since you are inside a good wash and wax would't hurt either.