Specifications

2005 MASTERCRAFT OWNERS MANUAL–PAG E 18-1
WINTERIZATION
&
STORAGE
> > > >
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 temperatures 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!
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 recommends that you
schedule an appointment with your local MasterCraft dealer
and permit the dealer to perform the winterization procedures.
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 contact 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 engines 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 stabi-
lizer added to any fuel remaining in the tank. Follow the direc-
tions 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 minutes to ensure
that the fuel stabilizer enters the engine’s fuel system.
Running the engine with the flame arrestor removed
increases the possibility of fire or explosion if the engine
should backfire and gasoline fumes are present. If the
engine is operated without the flame arrestor secured,
extreme care must be taken to ensure that the engine
compartment is well-ventilated and that no fuel leaks are present.