www.iFourWinns.com

I just purchased my 2005 250 Horizon, and put it up for the winter at the Louisville Underground. It is a huge manmade excavation-a cavern, that remains at about 58 degrees year round, and, amongst other things, they store boats. Since its covered and well above freezing, they advertise no winterizing needed. What would you do prior to putting your boat in this kind of storage? I disconnected the batteries, removed the carpet, opened all the doors, lockers, compartments, and made sure it was dry, put in gas stabilizer, checked the trailer air pressure and greased the bearings. I plan on oil change, etc. in the spring. Oh, and I have drained the fresh water system.

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2005 Horizon 250

We've got several "caves" around Kansas City too, and I'd be using them if one of them was closer to where I live.

I strongly recommend you get the fluids all changed now, and not wait for spring. You don't want water & acids sitting in the engine crankcase all winter, and if you're to discover water in the drive it's better to find out now than in the spring. I'd also drain the block, and if you aren't 100% certain when the impeller was last changed, I'd do that (either now or in the spring). Since you said you just bought it, I'd also recommend getting the drive pulled and the engine alignment checked, and that would give you the opportunity to check the bellows properly.

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

Thank you for the advice. The impeller was changed in September, when it had its so many hours recommended service. I'll have to see what else was done at that servicing.

I am worried also about mildew. The boat was dry, and the guy at the storage facility said I've got nothing to worry about as long as it is dry when it is dropped off.

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2005 Horizon 250

In my experience (same boat with different power, for all practical purposes), check carefully for any residual water under the front seat cushions. The one time we had some mildew get started was on the bottom of the front center cushion. Fortunately we found it right after it started so we were able to clean it up. In fact we now unsnap that center cushion and leave it laying loose during the winter now. And be careful feeling around that area with your hands, there are some "unfinished" fiberglass edges.

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