STORAGE/ WINTERIZATION
21-1
Storage and Winterization
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.
Without proper preparation, storage for long periods of time may cause internal parts of the engine and
transmission to rust because of lack of lubrication. Also, if the boat has been stored in below-freezing tempera-
tures with water inside the bilge or engine cooling system, including the heater or shower, this condition could
result in major damage from freezing.
Note: Damage to the boat due to improper storage will void the warranty!
Also, refer to the section regarding oil changes. Your boat should have an oil change performed immediately
prior to storage to prevent potential damage to your engine.
The following procedures will help avoid most potential types of damage for a period not to exceed five
(5) months!
To properly winterize your engine, you MUST be able to bring the engine up to operating temperature. To
accomplish this, your 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
• Six (6) quarts of specified engine oil (see
engine oil change instructions elsewhere in
this manual)
• Appropriate oil filter for your engine (see
Specifications elsewhere in the manual or con-
tact your dealer)
• Fuel filter
• Low tack tape
• Four to six ounces of fogging oil
• One (1) can of corrosion protectant and
lubricant
• Transmission oil (if needed)
• Multi-purpose grease
• Short piece of stiff wire such as coat
hanger wire
• Pipe thread sealant
• Anti-freeze tester suitable for propylene
glycol anti-freeze (fresh-water cooled en-
gines only)
• Anti-freeze (see elsewhere in this manual for
more details regarding acceptable brands and
specifications–NEVER mix anti-freeze types)
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 container.
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, 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-cooling the
engine at low RPM.) Run the engine for at least 15 min-
utes to ensure that the fuel stabilizer enters the engine’s
fuel system.
Because of the complexity of preparing your boat for proper winter
storage, as well as the possibility of extreme damage to the engine if
a preparation error was made during winterization, MasterCraft rec-
ommends that you schedule an appointment with your local
MasterCraft dealer and permit the dealer to perform the winteriza-
tion procedures.
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