First start after winter storage

[k42]

I had our boat winterized last fall and we're getting it out of storage this weekend. Do I need to do anything special to the engine before starting it in the water?

Thanks

[gregski]

It really depends on how it was winterized. To winterize, you have to pull a bunch of drain plugs and hoses to drain all the water from the cooling system. Some people leave these things open during the winter, others reinstall it after it's drained so that it's ready to go in the spring. Many (most?) folks around here like to run their boat for the first time in the spring out of the water using a fake-a-lake or other hose adapter. This way you can be certain that you're good to go on the water.

[996scott]

Has it been "de-winterized"? If all the hoses were disconnected then you need to make sure everything is hooked back up. I would start and run it with fake a lake at home first to make sure it starts up and runs fine. You don't want to get to the lake for the first time and not have it start.

oops, gregski beat me to it..

[k42]

I think all the hoses and plugs have been replaced, I will be double checking them now that you mentioned it. Sounds like I need a fake a lake. What is it and where do I get one?

[07STI]

Make sure the batteries are charged too.

[trayson]

I think all the hoses and plugs have been replaced, I will be double checking them now that you mentioned it. Sounds like I need a fake a lake. What is it and where do I get one?

There are a couple ways to accomplish this. One is a product that basically puts a hose connected to a plunger that sucks up to your fresh water intake for your engine on the bottom of your hull.

The other method is to add a TEE to your hose where your water goes into the engine. A ball valve Tee works well. you connect the hose to the tee, turn the lever to direct water from the hose to the water pump.

They also make a Flush Pro (my boat has this) that does the same thing as a ball valve tee, but uses a valve instead of a lever.

[5:00]

Sounds like I need a fake a lake. What is it and where do I get one?

Most any marine shop will have them
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/prod...lusher&i=74920

[zabooda]

Inspect your impeller if you didn't look at it during winterization. Look for cracked or missing vanes. I know mine is in need of a replacement this spring. Run the engine and look for leaks.

[CRAZy440]

You can make a fake-a-lake on your own. Need a plunger head, wooden broom stick, rubber post end, and a garden hose coupler with barbs. Drill a hole in the side of the plunger, stick in the hose coupler, screw in the broom stick to the plunger head, cut stick to length required to push he plunger to the boat around the fresh water intake, put rubber end on the broom stick to hold in place. Saves about $30 On something I use one time per year. Worked well for me. Changed boats now need a new broomstick to cut to reach the intake on the Craz. Eazy Peezy.


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[kaneboats]

This DIY thread might help:

https://forum.moomba.com/showthread....hlight=plunger