www.iFourWinns.com

Gents,

Since we can't get gasoline in the the Dallas area that is ethanol-free, what is the best solution for storing the boat for winter or long periods? I've read somewhere that a full tank with fuel stabilizer is a much better decision than leaving 1/2 tank or less where separation can occur. How about draining the tank? Better? Worse?

Just trying to plan ahead.

If the best decision is to fill it up, I plan to use Marine Formula Sta-Bil. Supposed to help with issues associated with ethanol. Anyone used it before?

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I've stored full tanks with the 10% ethanol mix for the past two winters and had no troubles. I use the appropriate amount of sta-bil in it. Starts up fine each Spring and seems to run no different when the tank is eventually refilled.

It's wildly debated which is better. But these days it seems like gas is a lot more stable and storing it full over the winter isn't a problem. Certainly less than an potential issues with corrosion or condensation inside a less-than-full tank. If I were storing the boat for an extended period of time (like a year or more) then I'd look into more extensive measures (fogging the engines, etc). But for the 3-6 months of typical winter storage I'd just fill 'er up and add the Sta-bil.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Anybody know a good place to buy sta-bil online?

Or... is the local marine shop the best spot?

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2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Wal-Mart has it around these parts. I've never seen marine grade Sta-Bil but I'm sure there is such a thing. I actually prefer Sea-foam for fuel stabilizer and it's good for the fuel system in general at anytime.

When I was single and had a lot of money, I would always fill my tanks up prior to winter and put in Sea Foam to stabilize. Now that I am married and have 4 kids (and broke), I usually end up with about an 1/8th to a 1/4 of a tank by the time winter hits and then load it up with Sea Foam (more than I normally would with a full tank). I haven't had any problems with my fuel for the last 4 years. I do change the fuel filters each spring and I do live in the South so I don't know if that has anything to do with condensation being an issue. IMHO, I think the full-tank thing is BS for those who live in warmer climates.

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Current Boat: 2000 Four Winns 298 Vista
Previous Boat: 2000 Carver 406MY

I have the same issues....kids and such. I leave the fuel level where ever it ends up and dose it up like x2 whatever the sea-foam can says. I do that to several tractors and a motorhome. I have used sta-bil in the past but I hate the sta-bil smell once you fire the engine up. Sea-foam works great and I have even used it in the crankcase oil on tractors and other toys. Cleans them right out. They seem to run better. Maybe just a mind thing but it works for me.

Understood.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

Thanks, Bill. That sounds like what most folks in my marina are doing.

I'm pulling it out for cleaning and waxing next week. I'll fill-er-up with Super Unleaded and add Marine Sta-Bil. I'll probably have to top it off again before cooler temps hit.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP

I top off and split a bottle of Sta-bil between both tanks and I've never had any issues. Forgive my ignorance but I didn't think those around DFW had to "winterize"

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-Tom
2003 298 Vista

I use the term "winterize" loosely here. In this case, I simply won't be taking the boat out as much (therefore not using as much fuel) and I am worried about the issue of fuel separation.

As far as actual winterizing, there really isn't anything to do other than make sure the bilge heater works and add a little anti-freeze to the holding tanks for those abnormally cold days. Might be hard to believe but we do get temps in the teens for 2-3 day stretches from time to time, then it goes back up to 50.

Craig C.

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2003 Vista 248, VP 5.0 GXi-C, DP