Best procedure for LONG TERM storage?

[ChromeDome]

Good advice, most of the benefits will be in the winterization procedure.

2 vs 4 stroke: Your 2-stroke has oil blended in, hence will be lubed inside by the fuel. A 4-stroke will be lubed only in the closed oil circuit.

2 seasons out of use isn't extreme to your engine so presumably OK to follow the owners handbook.

Protective spray (not just WD-40 et al) will, as always, be a good idea for all parts and connections. Of course you'll remove electronics as much as possible, to keep indoors. Any fluids, unless in fixed tanks, of course should be removed.

Good idea to prevent theft but if they really want to, thieves can take it. Hence make sure your insurance cover is right and paid.

 

[stelican]

The following may already have been mentioned.
Flush engine with fresh water.
Use fogging oil into carbs until engine stalls
This will coat the crankcase innards (Bearing shells, bearings and reed valves with oil)
After engine stalls remove spark plugs and spray fogging oil into cylinders then turn engine over by hand for a few revs refit spark plugs loose. On restart clear oil from cylinder bores by spinning motor over with spark plugs out.
Drain fuel from carbs filter and fuel line and tank.
Clean any corrosion from electrical connections and coat with vaseline.
Remove prop clean and grease propshaft and splines in prop hub, refit.
Drain gearbox oil and refill.
Grease steering shaft swivels.
Grease tilt mechanism.
Remove and grease steering through tube at engine and also work grease into inner/ outer end of sleeve.
Remove battery and trickle charge periodically.
Spray powerhead with WD 40 or simila
Wax and polish external of engine.
Raise and block off trailer evenly supported to relieve weight from wheels and suspension. Grease wheel bearing if they have been submerged.
If boat overhangs rear of trailer support here as well.
Grease winch and release strap tension.
Remove soft furnishings
leave all lockers open for ventilation.
Stop for lunch

 

[simonfraser]

boats are selling like hotcakes, buy something else in a few years when the market is swamped with unwanted bargains

 

[MystyBlue2]

Wow! Thank you so much folks, lots of info there. I'm gutted about putting her to bed but its got to be done i suppose. Real shame its got to be at the beginning of the season too.

Thank you all for taking the time guys very much appreciated

 

[Never Grumble]

Sell it. Situation might be completely different when you return.

 

[James L]

yeah, the most sensible option is to sell it, I guess you already know that.
But, it's not what I'd do either.
My brother has a big 2 stroke and he does the following and has had no problem starting it after years of no use.
1. Double up the 2 stroke mixture on the last run.
2. Run it in a tank of water with some washing up liquid, helps to ensure there is no salt build up in the system which would encourage corrosion.