T
he
storage
or
winter
lay
-
up
requires
special
preparation to prevent damage to the boat. Since
winter storage is an annual event, it presents an
excellent opportunity to perform the annual maintenance
at this time, depending upon the amount of usage. Check
with an authorized MasterCraft dealer’s service depart-
ment regarding the boat’s needs to determine if this is the
appropriate time for annual service.
Without proper preparation, storage for long periods of
time may cause internal parts of the engine and trans-
mission to rust due to lack of lubrication. Also, if the boat
has been stored in below-freezing temperatures with wa-
ter inside the bilge or engine cooling system (including
the heater or shower), this condition may result in major
damage from freezing, which would not be covered un-
der the warranty.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual regarding oil chang-
es. The boat should have an oil change performed im-
mediately prior to storage to prevent potential damage
to the engine.
The following procedures will help avoid most potential
types of damage during storage for a period not to ex-
ceed five (5) months!
Because of the complexity of preparing a boat for
proper winter storage, as well as the possibility of
extreme damage to the engine if a preparation er-
ror was made during winterization, MasterCraft
recommends scheduling an appointment with an
authorized MasterCraft dealer’s service depart-
ment to permit a technician to perform all winter-
ization procedures.
To properly winterize the engine, you MUST be able to
bring the engine up to operating temperature. To accom-
plish this, the boat must be in the water or attached to a
water supply using a hose and suitable adapter that will
allow an uninterrupted supply of water to the engine.
General Preparation
Before starting you will need the following supplies:
• Sta-Bil® Gasoline Stabilizer
• Fuel filter
• Low tack tape
Fuel System Treatment
Step 1:
If the boat will be placed in storage with fuel
(no alcohol in the mix) in the tank, fill the tank with fresh
fuel and a sufficient amount of Sta-Bil gasoline stabilizer
to treat the entire tank. Follow instructions on the con-
tainer.
Also review the engine manual instructions
regarding storage and winterization procedures!
Step 2:
If the boat will be placed in storage with fuel
that contains alcohol, the fuel tank should be drained as
completely as possible, the fuel disposed of properly, and
Sta-Bil gasoline stabilizer added to any fuel remaining in
the tank. Follow the directions on the container.
Step 3:
Start the engine and operate at idle until the
engine reaches normal operating temperature. (If using
a hose and adapter, adjust the faucet to avoid over-cool-
ing the engine at low RPM.) Run the engine for at least
fifteen (15) minutes and ensure that the fuel stabilizer
enters the engine’s fuel system.
Step 4:
Perform the annual maintenance as described
in this Manual.
storage and
winterization
2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 16-1
storage and
winterization
