PROTECT YOUR BOAT -- WINTERIZE

Putting up a boat for the winter requires more than just throwing on the cover and backing it into the garage. Only proper winterization in the fall can assure that boats will be ready when the weather once again turns friendly.

"You can't underestimate the importance of an engine during the fall and winter months," said professional fisherman Jay Yelas. "Look at what happens to a car if it's left unprotected during the winter."

Yelas points out that fogging an engine is a must. Over time, corrosion can set in on unused and unprotected engine parts.

To properly fog an engine, spray a high-grade fogging oil through the carburetor, or air intake system, while the engine is idling. The engine will stall. Then remove the spark plugs and spray for about 10 seconds into each spark plug hole. Then turn the engine over several times with the spark plugs disconnected to spread the fogging oil evenly.

Next to the power head, the lower unit is the most expensive area of the two-cycle engine. Because it does not require weekly or monthly maintenance, most people forget about the lower unit during the year.

Right before the first frost is a good time for boaters to become reacquainted.

Yelas advises checking the cooling system to make sure there is no water present. With the engine upright, turn it over a few times, again without starting.

Any water should pump out. Water left in the engine could expand during hard freezes and crack the metal.

There should never be any water in the lower unit gear box. Changing out the old lower unit grease with a fresh supply will guarantee that water is flushed out of the system.

Moisture is also the enemy in the gas tank. Many experienced boaters flush out their tanks for the winter. This is fine but unnecessary.

"Living down in Texas and fishing through the winter, I don't have any reason to put my boat up," Yelas said. "But I know plenty of guys up north who do. Most of them top off the tank and add fuel stabilizer, and I haven't heard of one problem."

Moisture can corrode any exposed metal part -- on the engine, trailer or boat. To fight these effects, use a corrosion protectant. Apply a light but thorough coating on all metal surfaces where moisture may collect. Remember, saltwater corrodes twice as fast as freshwater.

Repack all trailer ball bearings in an all-purpose grease. Also grease the propeller shaft, an often overlooked necessity.