mothballing cabin cruiser with outboard for winter advice please

[jacobjohn7]

Hi, coming up to winter wondered what the general advice is for preparing boat for winter...
ie: pumping out fibreglass water tank so as not to freeze..
uncoupling petrol etc... would anyone advise raising outboard out of water? and or bucket over prop?
Was also going to get a decent bit of tarp and lazzy ties.. to actually cover most of boat over the two/three most inclement months.
many thanks

 

[rafiki_]

I would suggest emptying the domestic water. I needed to use my dinghy pump to clear water from the system, especially the calorifier. I disconnected a hose, but you can pump through a tap.
It might pay to run the outboard and disconnect the fuel supply to clear the carb. Saves having cruddy fuel next season. Also pump fresh water through the outboard, and consider filling the outboard cooling system with antifreeze.
Not a bad idea to lift the outbaord.
There are mixed views on covering the boat with tarp, as this can lead to increased condensation resulting in mould and damage to wood etc.