Confirming boat has been winterized

[Roger K Sterling]

After closing a deal on a boat I returned the following week to pickup and part of the agreement was winterizing the boat. is there a way to inspect the engine to confirm the boat has been winterized.

 

[yobub]

As for the receipt from the service operation that winterized it. That is the best way to know.

If you dont trust them, tell us what kind of boat? That will help us tell you what to look for.

 

[Roger K Sterling]

its a 2000 Searay 240 Sundancer

 

[paulswagelock]

Winterized means different things to different folks. I would expect fresh motor oil (check dipstick), fresh lower unit oil (crack lower drain and draw out an ounce) engine cooling system full of antifreeze (crack open a few drain plugs) and the boats water system plumbing full of antifreeze (should see evidence in all the drains).

 

[Golfman25]

Signs of antifreeze in the bilge, water system, etc. My marina puts a tag on and tapes the drain plug around the trim tab actuator.

 

[MoonRiver]

It can depend based on your geographic location. I've seen marinas leave all the drain plugs (2-4) in a ziplock bag with the drain plug and any hose clamps hanging from the steering wheel or shifters.

 

[Roger K Sterling]

Thanks All for the responses. I live in Connecticut and will use your recommendations. I will post an update

 

[JimG]

It can depend based on your geographic location. I've seen marinas leave all the drain plugs (2-4) in a ziplock bag with the drain plug and any hose clamps hanging from the steering wheel or shifters.

That's crazy to me... I put everything back in place so it's ready drop in the lake come April.

 

[Roger K Sterling]

I'll see if the oil is clean and open a drain plug to check for antifreeze.

 

[mrsrobinson]

Basically what the others said, short of undoing what they did you're really not going to know. Check for pink antifreeze in the freshwater system. Open the drain plug on one of your manifolds. Same for air conditioner and generator if you have one.

Simplest thing to do is look at the invoice. They should have warranty their work..

 

[Roger K Sterling]

Antifreeze came out of the drain plug, the oil look clean and the oil Filter looks brand new.

 

[RBB]

ask for the receipt. if there is one the vendor should have insurance to cover any freeze damage. if not i would call BS!

 

[mrsrobinson]

Antifreeze came out of the drain plug, the oil look clean and the oil Filter looks brand new.

Use a sharpie to write the date and engine hours on the oil filter

 

[Roger K Sterling]

Use a sharpie to write the date and engine hours on the oil filter

Great Idea, Thanks