To winterize or not to winterize?

I have a 1600 Lund Explorer with a 2018 90hp Yamaha. I have always changed oil, lower unit, plugs, fogged engine and fuel stabilizer. Boat is stored in semi-heated garage of a townhouse, so its never truly freezing temps throughout the winter. Technically, I believe the only thing that needs to be done is water out of the lines and fogged engine. Oil changes can be done anytime.

If I don’t do the traditional routine, would it be safe to just make sure the fuel is stable if I don’t use the boat for a month or two? I’d like to give winter river fishing a go this year, but I’ve also never not winterized so I’d like to know the pro’s and con’s if anyone has any?

Thanks!

Yup.

Just change the lower unit oil and put in non oxy, charge the batteries and you will be fine.

I’ve never fogged a 4-stroke motor. Make sure you stabilize the fuel and lower the motor everytime you come out of the water to make sure the water has drained. Wouldn’t be a bad idea to just quick check the lower unit oil for any water before it gets real cold. The only reason I “winterize” my motors is so that I have 1 set time every year that all the oils and filters get changed. Anytime the weather allows, I’ll bring it out throughout the winter.

I really just need to make time to get that done. Been chasing birds too much right now!

I have a 91 Yamaha proV150 with more hours on it than some of the kids posting to this site has been alive. Change oil late fall, stabil in the gas, and periodically plug in batteries to charge. Most dependable engine I own

I have a 2008 Yamaha 4stroke, before each winter I change the lower unit oil and remove the batteries (1 main batter and 2 for the trolling motor) at a minimum. I usually change the engine oil too just so its fresh for the spring, otherwise I change that in the spring

My boat is stored in an airplane hanger with no heat for the winter so I keep the batteries at home and trickle charges them every 6 to 8 weeks