Best procedure for LONG TERM storage?

MystyBlue2

MystyBlue2

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Hi folks due to unforseen and very unfortunate events i have no option but to put the boat to bed for Approx 1-2years.

The boat is trailered and sits in a garage high and dry so atleast that problem is taken care of....

Is it possible to keep an outboard dormant for that long and not have any adverse repercussions when i come back to use after all that time? Or is it best to sell now and re-buy similar when i come to pick boating back up.

I would prefer to keep her as it has been a HUGE project for me over the past 14 months and now shes finally finished/Re-built and £1000's spent shes basically brand new and ready to go!

Any tips and advice on longterm storage of trailer/Boat and Motor and all parts such as rollers, winch suspension, wheels, batteries, control box and cables, anything i need to grease, wiring, fuel and lines, outboard and piston rings etc etc.

I need to keep the motor as in best condition as i possibly can as i only purchased it early December 2020 and really cant afford for rings or shafts to seize up.

Thanks in advance folks ?
 
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1-2 years in a dry ventilated garage isn't that long, so don't worry too much. Will you have any access over this period e.g. to start the engine a couple times a year? Normal TLC, get rid of the fuel, a good clean and service, oil and grease moving parts etc, etc,.

Trailer - no brakes to sort out. Tyres - get new if required, not a huge amount of money.
 
If you follow the manufacturer's recommendation for winterization the motor should be fine. Prepare for a launch prep when she is to be used again - plugs, impeller and then some.

Tyres kept out of direct sun and hostile climate will survive well. Pump them up to their max (stated on the tyre wall) and put the trailer axle on blocks, to take the load off the wheels. Adjust pressure once you want to use them again. Release securing lines or straps on the trailer and loosen the winch wire to take stress off things.

I would fill the tank and add a stabilizer; connect an intelligent battery charger or make sure a charger is connected monthly for a day, to keep the batteries well.
 
Yeah that doesn't sound too daunting, basically just a deep thorough winterization. Its kept in a secure lock up away from home but near houses, so its secure enough to keep the risk of break-ins to a minimum but far enough from home to not be able to flushed and started regularly to prevent any seizures. So basically i can do the jobs and then put it to bed and leave it for possibly 2years.
 
MystyBlue2 said:
Yeah that doesn't sound too daunting, basically just a deep thorough winterization. Its kept in a secure lock up away from home but near houses, so its secure enough to keep the risk of break-ins to a minimum but far enough from home to not be able to flushed and started regularly to prevent any seizures. So basically i can do the jobs and then put it to bed and leave it for possibly 2years.
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My rib lives abroad and has a 250hp 4 stroke Suzuki. It gets used for 2 weeks then sits in outside storage under a cover for the following year. I normally have it serviced prior to using it but to date after 5 years I've had no issues (but probably will now I've written this) I've never winterised it, just fresh water flushed it and only this last year added some fuel preservative to combat the ethanol issues.
 
Jack up the trailer and put it on axle stands, saves the tyres and takes the strain off suspension. Drain the carbs and fuel lines, ethanol in the fuel will rot the lines and gum up the carbs. Get some fogging oil, remove the plugs then replace when you’ve sprayed the oil in and turned the engine over. Remove the battery unless you can keep it charged regularly. Take the bung out and keep it somewhere safe.
 
How would i fog?

Spray into carb throat as engine is running and let it die OR pull the plugs out and spray down the bores?

Is there anything else i should be "fogging"
 
You could drop the boat off at mine it would be used every day , and you could have it back empty tank needing a service and trailer needing tyres and bearings.
 
MystyBlue2 said:
How would i fog?

Spray into carb throat as engine is running and let it die OR pull the plugs out and spray down the bores?

Is there anything else i should be "fogging"
Click to expand...

I've seen a "preserving oil" mentioned in old service manuals, never seen it or used it. It was to fill the sump instead of normal engine oil. Can't remember if it said to put some in the cylinders as well. Externally I'm sure any oil spray would work, e.g. an aerosol of 3 in 1.
 
penberth3 said:
I've seen a "preserving oil" mentioned in old service manuals, never seen it or used it. It was to fill the sump instead of normal engine oil. Can't remember if it said to put some in the cylinders as well. Externally I'm sure any oil spray would work, e.g. an aerosol of 3 in 1.
Click to expand...
It’s a 2t, no sump.
 
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