This issue we will be talking about all the things you can do to properly winterize and take care of your fishing machine.
Its a sad day when you have to pull the plug on the open water season but if you want your boat and gear to last and work properly for a painless start to the next fishing season then we must do so. 1st things first, pull off your prop and check for fishing line and debris. Then drain your lower unit oil and refill with fresh oil. If you see a white milky mix coming out when you drain it then you know you have a bad seal and must be changed. Second, if your motor is a two-stroke, now’s the time to fog it. Simply remove the cowling and spray fogging lubricant into the air intake while the engine is running with the gas line removed. This keeps the internal engine parts lubricated to prevent corrosion and cylinder scuffing. Most anglers know how critical it is to properly store their outboard engines for the winter, but what about electric trolling motors? They need just as much TLC. For safety reasons and to prevent battery drainage, start by unplugging the motor, then lubricating the moving parts on the shaft with aqueous silicone. As with the big motor, take off the prop and remove anything that might be wrapped around the shaft. Fishing line, in particular, can slice through the seals and let water into the lower unit. Thirdly, remove and store the batteries in a dry, warm spot where you can recharge them over the winter. Always remove the negative cables first, and put them back on last. It’s also wise to place mothballs inside the boat compartments where your electrical wires and transducer cables are routed. Mice are fond of wintering inside cozy boat storage compartments. When the spring bite is on, after all, the last thing you want to be doing is figuring out why the boat won’t fire up.
Fish Cowboyz Out!
