Boston Whaler 270 VANTAGE, Manual

Page: 143 / 148

5-9
Section 5 • Care & Maintenance
R
270 Vantage
Long Term Storage & Winterization
Long periods of storage, winter lay-up and/or non-
use, common to boats, create unique problems. When
preparing to store a boat for extended periods of two
months or more it is best to make sure that the boat
and its systems are properly conditioned for such
extended periods of non-usage.
The guidelines presented on the following pages
give basic instructions on “winterizing” your boat
and boat systems. If inexperienced with the process
of winterization it is best to hire the services of a
professional.
In addition, always consult the owner’s manuals of
the various systems and equipment on your boat for
the manufacturer’s recommendations on winterizing
and long term storage.
Never start or run your outboard (even
momentarily) without having water circulating
through the cooling water intake holes in the
gear case. This will prevent damage to the
water pump (running dry) or overheating of
the engine.
!
CAUTION
Engine
Protecting your engine’s vital moving parts from
corrosion and rust caused by freezing of trapped
water or excessive condensation due to climatic
changes is very important. Freezing water in the
engine can cause extensive damage to the internal
moving parts. Internal engine parts can also be
affected by rust due to lack of proper lubrication
• Replace the engine oil and filter, running the
engine to drain out as much old oil as
possible.
• Flush the engine with fresh water using flush
muffs or a similar device attached to the raw
water pickup.
• Let all water drain from the engine.
• Fog the engine while it is running. Spray until
it stalls.
• Run fuel which has been treated with
conditioner and stabilizer through the
engine.
• Replace lower unit gear oil. Check for
moisture in old oil, a sign of deteriorating
seals.
• Remove the prop and grease the shaft and
threads.
• Treat all grease fittings with the recommended
lubricant.
• Lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or
polish with a good wax.
• Check engine mount bolts. Ensure that they
are torqued to 55 ft/lbs.
In addition, be sure to follow all recommendations in
your engine manufacturers operation manual.
Tank(s), hoses, and fuel pumps should be treated to
help prevent the formation of varnish and gum.
Temperature extremes will cause condensation to
accumulate in an empty or partially filled fuel tank
leading to fuel contamination and/or premature wear
of your system.
Fill the tank completely (100%) full and add
fuel stabilizer and conditioner, following the
manufacturer’s recommendations, to provide fuel
stability and corrosion protection.
Fuel System
Pay particular attention to the information
provided in “Ethanol-Blended Fuel” in section
3 of this manual.
NOTICE
After Long Term Storage
At least annually, inspect your fuel system for leaks.
You should check the fuel tank area below the floor
for liquid fuel, or a strong odor of gasoline before
each outing, but at least once a year you should
open each access port to any of the fuel system
components to inspect them for leakage. If any