www.iFourWinns.com

Hi.

I just recently aquired a 2005 FourWinns 200, Volvo Penta 4.3 GXi, so I am new to the forum. Winter is quickly coming up here in Canada and I had to act fast.

A reputable marina winterized the engine and drive etc, and I have read a considerable number of posts on 'storage'. I also appreciate all the posts on winterization which I have read.

But, I can't find definitive answers to the following questions;

1) Is it best to store the drive in the up or down position.
2) Is it best to store that battery inside (not on concrete) or in the boat and just disconnected.

Thanks in advance

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2005 FourWinns 200
4.3 Volvo Penta GXi
(Picture to follow)

It's best to store the boat with the drive down to minimize stress on the driveshaft bellows
As far as the battery goes...it's best to charge it fully when the boat is stored...if you can bring the battery inside and keep it charged that's good..but I just charge it a couple of times over the winter and they are fine in spring...I leave em on the boat...they are group 27 dual purpose batteries that weight 50 lbs each so I don't want to have to heft them out of the boat....just shut off the batt switch and charge em on the boat...

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Drive down is easier on the bellows. The batteries are best stored indoors (at a constant temperature) and fully charged before storing, if you can trickle charge them once a month (just to top them off) that is a good thing also.

If you are storing the boat indoors (a garage) I'd just leave them in the boat. If outside (or carport) storage is what you are doing I'd move the batteries inside.

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'90 Horizon 220 5.8

Drive down.

Batteries really don't matter as long as you don't allow them to freeze. If they freeze there's a good chance the cases will crack and you'll find electrolyte all over your bilge.

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Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

WOW, that is a neat chart. I knew discharged batteries froze easier, but I never would have guessed there was THAT large of a range between fully charged and discharged batteries, freezing points.

Sorry, the difference just AMAZED me!

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'90 Horizon 220 5.8

Thanks for the tips !

I'll be storing the boat outside, with a transhield (supported) cover, so getting to the battery over the winter to trickle charge it would be difficult, not to mention that I also have the sunsport seating arrangement which already makes it hard getting to !

As I just purchased the boat, I don't know the battery level... so, inside it comes... that is, after I lower the drive.

Many thanks !

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2005 FourWinns 200
4.3 Volvo Penta GXi
(Picture to follow)