When are you winterizing? And how does my list sound?

[Harshhobgoblin]

I live in NE so winters are pretty harsh. I might go out one or two more times this season for some leaf peeping, but the season is coming to a close pretty quickly. My winterization plan of attack:

Fluids:
*Fill & stabilize fuel (run through system for 5-10 minutes to circulate)
*Burp out water. Run eco-friendly antifreeze through the nipple port until it exits the scupper (cheap northeast winter insurance)
*Somehow attempt to get the bilge pump to suck some antifreeze.

Maintenance:
*Remove batteries - trickle charge in garage
*Remove carpets (to prevent mildew)
*Pull clean-out plug and leave crooked/unseated in the cylinder
*Place 1 - 2 moisture canisters inside the boat to reduce moisture/mildew
*Tape/Plug exterior openings (exhaust, bilge, scupper, jet, intake) to prevent critters from entering (chipmunks brought acorns into the exhaust on my I/O last year)
*Spray light silicone lubricant on engine components/throttle cables/jet nozzle to prevent surface rust
* If possible, lift trailer tires and put on jacks to prevent flat spots

Questions:
*Does anyone remove their bilge pump from the boat in the winter?
*I am debating between 1) fogging the engine through the air filter housing or 2) removing spark plugs and dropping some marvel mystery oil into each cylinder and replacing plugs. Suggestions? Overkill?

 

[AZDANSX230HO]

First recommendation is to move to a warmer climate.

1. No reason to remove your bilge pump.
2. If I fogged I would put the fogging oil in the cylinders and turn over engines without starting them. I see no reason to spray fogging oil through the intake system whatsoever.

 

[Tingo]

Hi: I have a follow up question - gets real cold where I am. Main concern is getting the water out. 2014 SX 192 Boat sits in a covered boathouse (unheated / over the water) , on an angle...back end lower (does that matter for water in the engine?)...on the sling boat hoist. I flushed the engine as per the manual. Revved to clear exhaust. Hooked up anti-freeze to flush hose connector, started engine and put antifreeze in until it ran out the intake grate but it never shot any anti-freeze out the cooling water pilot hole. Revved engine. How can I be sure that all the water is out?

Everything I read states how easy it is to winterize jet boats but I am just concerned that it is not that easy. As a relatively new owner but handy mechanical guy I would welcome advise from more experienced jet boaters.
Thanks.