Brandon Frederick said that there's nothing better than a day on the water.

I think he's onto something.

In order for those days on the water to be the best possible, it is vital to winterize your boat in preparation for the upcoming boating season.

The first thing to winterize is the boat's engine (inboard or outboard), and that begins with putting a good stabilizer in the fuel tank. "A stabilizer is formulated for the ethanol in the fuel, and it helps to preserve the engine," Frederick, the resident boat expert at U.S. Marine Sales and Service in Olympia, said. "And remember, once you put the stabilizer into the fuel supply, you've got to run the engine for 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it does the best good for the engine."

The second step is to make sure the craft's internal parts are sealed, or "fogged." A petroleum-based product is injected into the engine's carburetor, and from there it circulates throughout the engine and into the fuel system. "When the engine is run, it will begin to smoke, or fog," Frederick explained.   "What is happening is the product is moving through the system, and it will smoke. This prevents corrosion on the inside of the engine."

The third step and final major step is to make sure all water - fresh or salt - is removed from the engine, especially inboard engines. A check of the fuel line, filters, fitting, fluid levels and the charging system is recommended. "This is vital.  Both inboard and outboard engines need to have all water drained," Frederick continued. "This is done by placing the engine upright and opening plugs."

"These are simple things to do that will extend the life of the engine and let boaters spend more time on the water," Frederick said.

U.S. Marine Sales & Service provides a full range of services and products for boaters who wish to winterize their crafts. Costs to winterize range from $200 to $550.  Marine Sales can also help boaters find good, affordable winter storage.

"We should see boat owners once a year, and this is the time to see us," Frederick said.  "With our services and products, all boaters have to do next boating system is hook up the battery and head out onto the water."

For more information about winterization and storage, visit www.usmarinesales.com or call (360) 455-0788.

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