Ultimate Guide to Storing Outboard Motors - Best Practices for Safe Storage

Jan. 26 2023 Maintenance By Fish And Ski Marine

Storing an outboard motor can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re a recreational or commercial boater, it’s important to understand the best practices for storing your outboard motor to keep it running smoothly and safely.

This guide provides you with the essential tips and best practices for safely storing your motor. From winterizing and proper storage location to cleaning and inspecting your motor, this guide will help you protect your investment and ensure your outboard motor is ready for use when you need it.

Get ready to become an expert on safely storing outboard motors!

What is an outboard motor, and why is storage important?

An outboard motor is the propulsion system used on many boats, including small fishing boats, motorboats, personal watercraft, and even larger vessels like yachts. Outboard motors usually have one or two propulsion units that generate torque to drive the propeller.

They are installed outside the hull of a watercraft to create more room for passengers and cargo. They are used in fresh and saltwater but not in open-ocean situations because they are not sturdy enough. Outboard motors have many moving parts, and their engine oil contains lubricants that protect and keep them in good working order.

Over time, as an outboard motor is used, the oil breaks down and depletes. If these motors are not stored with enough engine oil to maintain this lubrication, the moving parts may seize up and cause damage to the motor.

Winterizing your outboard motor

Long term storage for outboard motors during winter is essential for their longevity and continued performance. Understanding the winterization process for your boat’s motor is a great way to protect it during the off-season. But what exactly is winterizing? And how can you do it with your outboard motor?

Start your winter storage process by adding antifreeze to the water in your outboard motor. Antifreeze is a liquid solution that will help prevent water from freezing in your motor, which can cause damage.

The amount of antifreeze you should use will depend on the type of antifreeze you use; most use a ratio of one part antifreeze to 10 parts water. Once you’ve added the antifreeze to the water, please turn on the outboard motor and allow it to run for about five minutes. This will allow the antifreeze to mix throughout the water.

After running the engine and before storage, drain the water from your outboard motor and replace it with fresh, clean water. This step will help ensure that your engine is protected all winter long.

Finally, before putting away your outboard motor for the winter months, change the fuel filter and add stabilizers to your fuel tank. This simple step can protect and extend the life of your motor and ensure that it runs smoothly when you break it out from storage again.

Preparing the storage location

Before storing your outboard motor, you’ll need to prepare the storage location.

First, ensure the area where you plan to store your motor is free from debris or any other obstructions that could damage or get caught up in the motor. Choose a storage location that is dry, clean and well-ventilated, and away from direct sunlight.

Outboard motors are heavy, so you’ll want to be sure the floor where you plan to store the motor can handle the weight. You should also have a place to keep the motor separate from other items to reduce the risk of damage to other items and vice versa. A garage or shed is an ideal place for long-term motor storage.

Cleaning and inspecting your outboard motor

Cleaning your outboard motor will help protect it from corrosion while it is being stored. You’ll also want to inspect it to make sure there is no damage to the motor or its parts.

There are a few cleaning and inspection tasks you’ll want to complete before storing your outboard motor.

Disconnect the battery.

You’ll want to disconnect the battery if you have a single-motor outboard. This will prevent damage to the motor and electrical system.

Drain the fuel tank.

Before you drain the fuel tank, ensure the motor is off, the spark plug is removed, and the fuel line is disconnected. You don’t want to risk spilling or igniting fuel in the motor.

Wash the engine.

You’ll need to clean out the engine with water. Using soap or other cleaning products is not recommended inside the engine. This can clog the motor and cause damage.

Inspect the engine.

During your inspection, you’ll want to check for oil leaks, loose fittings, broken parts, and other damage. Please note any issues so you can fix them before putting the motor back in the water.

Securing and storing your outboard motor

After you’ve completed the cleaning and inspection steps, it’s time to secure and store your outboard motor.

Before storing your outboard boat motor, make sure the engine is dry and free of dirt, debris, and water. One of the most important steps in storing your motor is securing it properly. An outboard motor is a heavy object and can cause serious damage to other items, like the floor of your garage or shed, if not properly secured before storing it. You may consider placing the motor on a stand or a cork floor mat to help absorb vibrations and protect your storage location.

When storing your motor, you should also keep it away from heat sources, such as a furnace or other appliances, as this can cause damage to the motor. Storing your motor in a dry, clean, well-ventilated location will help protect it from damage.

Some other tips for storing your outboard motor include:

  • Keep the motor off the ground to help reduce the risk of humidity and moisture damaging the motor and causing rust.
  • Keep the motor away from direct sunlight to prevent it from getting too hot.
  • Keep the motor where it is accessible when you need it and where you can find it when you need to store it again.

Tips for safe storage

  • Consider storing your outboard motor on a stand. If you’re storing your motor in a garage or shed, a stand can help protect the floor from damage.
  • Avoid storing your motor near sources of extreme heat, such as a furnace or water heater.
  • Protect your motor from moisture. A damp environment can cause rust and other damage to your motor.
  • Avoid storing your motor in direct sunlight. UV rays can damage your motor and cause fading.
  • Keep your motor out of the way when storing. You don’t want it to get in the way of everyday activities.

Regular maintenance for best results

When you store your boat, you will want to maintain it in top shape once it’s removed. It’s a good idea to change the oil in the motor every six months while it’s stored.

You can also check the spark plugs and clean the carburetor while you’re at it. This will help keep your motor in top shape and make it easier to start once it’s time to remove it from storage.

If you notice any damage or issues with your motor while it’s stored, you should get them fixed as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you might not have enough time to finish everything before putting the motor back in the water.

Above all, consult your owner’s manual to understand the best practices for how to store an outboard motor for winter.

Troubleshooting common outboard motor storage problems

Many common issues can happen to an outboard motor during the storage process. Here are some common problems and how to prevent them.

Corrosion

Corrosion can occur if the motor is not stored in a dry, clean, well-ventilated location. One thing to keep in mind is to fog the engine. Spraying fogging oil helps protect the motor and prevents corrosion by forming a protective barrier on the internal surfaces.

Mold or mildew

Moisture can build up in the storage location and cause mold or mildew to grow on the motor.

Rust

Rust can form on the motor if not stored in a dry location.

Battery damage

The battery can get damaged if disconnected before storing the motor.

Spark plug damage

The spark plug can get clogged if the motor is not properly cleaned before storing it.

Conclusion

Storing outboard motors is a big job, but with the right preparation and storage techniques, you can make sure that your motor is ready to be used for years and years to come!

Motoring can be one of the most fun and exciting activities, so ensuring that your engine is in tip-top shape is important. With the proper care and maintenance, your boat can reach speeds you never imagined and take you places you never dreamt possible.

So whether you're an avid fisherman or a speed demon, make sure to give your motor the proper care it deserves - you won't regret it!

Visit us at Fish and Ski if you want a boat to store this winter. With our knowledge and expertise, we can help you find the perfect boat for your storage needs.