Summerize?

[cpditty]

I had Marine Max winterize my boat at the end of the season last year. I have a coupon to "summerize" the boat in the spring, is this really neccessary? It looks like a bunch of checks and run the engine... Is this something I can just do myself with a engine muff? It doesn't mention closing petcocks or anything that I should have to worry about... What are your thoughts, I wouldn't mind saving the $100 that they want.

Thank
CHris

 

[Dave S]

If it was me I would save the 100 bucks.

Just make sure your transom plug is in before you launch. You can run the engine on muffs or put it in the water and run it. Start it up, and look for water leaks in the engine compartment. Check the engine drain plugs (they are blue) to be sure no water is dripping or leaking from them. If they winterized your freshwater system with pink stuff, then get that all flushed out as well. They may have also disconnected your battery cable(s) which are easily re-attached.

 

[widowmaker]

Ditto to Dave's commments, spend the money on gas.

 

[Searay Jim]

If you know what they did to winterize, I wouldn't bother having them "summerize". It should only entail putting the plugs back in, hoses reconnected, if disconnected, checking fluids etc., cranking her up and making sure noting is leaking.

If they fogged the motor, you'll want to run it before splashing it just to make sure the fogging oil is burned off and it runs good. I doubt it's common, but if you had any borderline spark plugs, I suppose they could foul and I'd want to find out before I'm sitting at the ramp.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

My marina folks started off by telling me to go have fun after a winter lay up. More detailed they said about the same thing, put your bilge plug in, flush the water tank with fresh water to take out the anti freeze and hook up the water hose and ear muffs and run the boat for about 15-20 minutes and put all your toys in and you should be ready to go.

Have a blast. :thumbsup:

 

[cpditty]

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!!!
I was sitting in the driveway wishing I had her out this weekend. It was in the 80's and sunny but there were too many kids activities preventing a launch this weekend. Maybe next weekend.
Thanks again for your help guys.
Chris

 

[chuck1]

Sounds like you've already got some great comments. To Summarize them "Pun intended" :grin: Put the plug in, check fluids, test run, HAVE FUN :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

 

[rktktpaul]

I also had my boat winterized by the dealer last year. I'm pretty sure that they they introduced an antifreeze/water mix into the engine and outdrive's cooling system to protect the block over the winter.

What's a good way to "summerize" an engine with coolant without just dropping the boat in to water and introducing glycol in my local lake??

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

The anti freezed used by marina shops is bio degradeable and you can drop it in your local lake and keep going. But if you feel uncomfortable doing it, get the water hose, get the muffs and hook up, turn water on, start engine, run 15-20 minutes to reach operating temp and shut off. All anti freeze should be out by this time.

While your sitting waiting on motor to warm up, check tires on trailer, lights, wireing plug and anything else. :grin:

 

[cpditty]

Thank you to all that replied with such great answers to my question. I purchased a good set of muffs yesterday at west marine and I am very excited to hear that sweet sound of my engine running again.

Chris