St. Augustine Marina

Authorized Yamaha Dealership - Family Owned Since 1954

  • Call For Details : 904 -829 -8155

    Mon – Saturday
    8 AM – 5 PM

    Closed Sunday & Holidays

  • 245 Vilano Rd. St. Augustine, Florida 32084
Prepping For Off-Season

Prepping For Off-Season

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Do You Winterize Your Boat / Outboard?

Living in Florida, it is hard to think about winter even during the winter months. There is no dramatic drop in temperature, no snow fall, no changing leaves to remind us that winter is still a season in the south.

For the most part, we continue doing what we’ve been doing all year. For many Floridians, this may also include boating. After all, shrimp come into season in the Fall, Sheepshead can be found lurking around bridges and docks (which just so happen to LOVE shrimp!), and Speckled Trout can be found in clusters in cooler waters.

Whether you’re using your boat to take family and friends on hunting or fishing trips, just cruising the shoreline, or as a utility vessel to check water levels or fish stores, there will come a point where you are done with your vessel for a few months. This is what ‘winterization’ is for, though the terminology itsef seems more appropriate if you live up north.

In fact, it isn’t entirely uncommon to have snowbirds and tourists bring their personal watercraft in to our service department for winterization, to whatever extent, so that they can cover their boat and drop it off where they store it on their way back home.

Not everyone needs to perform extensive winterization, but for the longevity of your boat and outboard (especially if you regularly enjoy saltwater), these recommendations for preparing for the off season (be it during the Winter or another time) could help to mitigate future issues while ensuring that your boat and its motors are in reliable, functional condition when you’re ready to take her back out on the water. The following tips and recommendations come directly from our service technicians, professional fisherman, and through our own experience with videos to show DIY methods and tricks.

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The Basic Checklist - Outboards

No matter the make or model of your outboard engine, wear and tear are only natural. Just like any machine, your motor will benefit from some time off from the water just as you will and the off season opens up a perfect time (particularly here in Florida!) to check in with our service department or your local dealership where you are registered for annual maintenance.

The wait times are less and most regular maintenance or repair work can be completed in significantly less time than you would have to wait during peak season for the same service.

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 When you bring in your outboard for winterization or if you want to perform the task yourself, here is the basic checklist that manufacturers and technicians recommend:

  • Flush the system. This is one of the big tasks that DIY winterizers don’t often think about or want to deal with. This is espeically crucial if you use your outboard on saltwater regularly or have recently to ensure the longevity of your props and other mechanical parts as saltwater inevitably will break them down, especially when allowed to sit for several months! This also provides an opportunity to pre-emptively check your engine for fuel leaks or oil leaks that can be seen as freshwater is run through the system. Inspect the fuel lines for cracks or signs of wear to prevent leaks in the future.
  • Change the oil filter, top off or replace oil. Just like your car, your outboard requires oil as a lubricant to ensure all mechnaisms throughout are able to function without additional heat or friction. Changing the oil, topping it off, and replacing the filter is a maintenance task not explicitly just for winterization.
  • Refresh and check all other fluids. Depending on your watercraft this may include lower unit / transmission fluid, coolant, steering fluid, and outdrive oil.
  • Empty or stabilize fuel. If you have a watercraft with a built in fuel cell or fuel tank, you will want to add fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating while your boat is in storage and potentially causing problems when you try and start her up later. The other option is to run the fuel out, but this is only viable if there is a miniscule amount left behind. If adding stabilizer, you will want to top off with new, fresh fuel before adding the chemical and running the mixture through your engine prior to storage. When you run your engine, listen closely for anything that may sound ‘off’- such as rattling or gears grinding that could signal issues in the future that could easily be looked into before placing your boat in storage.
  • Protect internal engine components.  You may use a fogging spray that coats internal engine components with an anti-corrosive layer.
  • Grease all moving parts. 

Think of your outboard as your boating ally. Without your engine, you will be rowing or paddling to get to where you need to be. For the amount of time it takes to go the extra mile with annual maintenance and winterization before storing your boat in off season, you could save thousands on replacement parts and labor.

St. Augustine Marina carries genuine / OEM parts, kits, trailer parts, fuses, safety equipment, boat covers and more that make winterization easy for DIYers. If you prefer to leave your watercraft in more capable hands, our service technicianss are more than happy to prep your boat and engine for the off season. No need to make an appointment, call ahead or simply bring her around back! 

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Winterizing Your Boat

Once boaters have enjoyed their offshore adventures for the season, many will depend on a Bimini Top or canvas boat cover to help keep their boat mostly in good condition while it is in storage, docked, moored, or simply parked on a trailer in the backyard. While a cover is always a wise choice, there are numerous additional tips and winterizing practices to consider if you want to maximize the lifespan of your investment.

Although these suggestions cannot guarantee your vessel’s longevity, they may highlight aspects often overlooked when the off-season arrives. Many of these recommendations involve minimal additional investment; with just a bit of time and effort, your boat will be ready to hit the water when the next season begins. Keep in mind that other considerations based on your chosen storage location and local climate may also play a role and are not covered here.

Key West Boats, 2023 Key West St.Augustine Marina

The Basic Checklist - Boats

If you live in St. Augustine, FL or anywhere in Florida, you have seen what a few days of being exposed to the elements can do to your car, let alone your boat. Even worse, tropical storms and the occassional hurricane may pass through and make a big mess out of something that was minor or unnoticeable to begin with.

Before you put your boat up for the off season, take the time to clean the interior or take your boat in to our service department for detailing. Sure, you will be scrubbing the deck, chucking leaves over the side, and airing out the wells, but you will also be keeping an eye out for any damage to anything that may be visible on the service.

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Keep an eye out for: 

  • Cracks, peeling paint, or loose seals in wells, console areas, and the hull. It is much quicker to get these minor repairs done durinf the off season as most service departments will not be as inundated with boats in need of repairs and maintenance.
  • Make note of any wiring or other electrical issues that could be taken care of during the off season, as these tasks will take more labor than simple maintenance. The off season is the perfect time to address concerns that may not be immediate issues, but are tedious, time consuming, and can end a holiday on the water if they’re ignored for any length of time.
  • Use a pressure washer to clean the exterior and interior if possible. Use a wire brush to clean terminal and cable ends. 
  • Replace wing nuts with lock nuts. 
  • Secure battery terminal cables. 
  • Check all switches, knobs, and fuses. 
  • If your boat has freshwater plumbing, use marine antifreeze if you’re taking your boat up north or into a climate where it may face freezing temperatures. Though not unheard of here in the south, this isn’t always necessary unless we’re facing a particularly cold forecast. This goes hand in hand with drainage, but we discuss this more with outboards.
  • Charge and remove the battery. Before placing your watercraft in storage, check the charge of your battery if you have one. It isn’t a bad idea to store your battery in a separate location, particularly if you plan on keeping your boat docked or outdoors in the humidity. Store your battery in a cold, dry place where it won’t be affected by humidity, rainfall, and drastic temperature changes.
  • Check all other connections, check the steering wheel, cables, and engine cut-off switch.
  • Make sure all safety equipment is up to date and present in your vessel. This includes first aid kits, emergency information guides, and life jackets.
  • Remove any valuables you may have left behind. It is always worth it to check! It is also important to maintain your insurance even during the off season and make sure your registration is current so that you can transition from the off season to peak season without any issues.

If you live in a cold climate, you may elect to have annual maintenance performed in addition to winterizing your watercraft when bringing your boat in for service.

Our service department is open all year round, with capable technicians that will ensure that your boat is in the best shape it can be when you’re ready to take her back out on the water.

 

2024 Key West 230 Bay Reef

We partner with Key West to stock expertly crafted fiberglass center console fishing boats complete with all the features fishermen love and all the space to bring family and friends along for the ride!

Used Sportcraft Center Console

Pre-owned Sportcraft Center Console – 21 ft fishing boat with Evinrude outboard and trailer. Includes accessories shown and custom upgrades by previous owner. View all our vintage models now!

New & Used Griff Craft Skiffs

Griff Craft are inexpensive flat bottom fishing boats perfect for fishing local waters inshore and nearshore. New and used models available with outboard and trailer!

1720 CC Key West Sportsman

NEW 2024 upgraded 1720 CC Key West ‘Sportsman’ – the most popular Key West model since 1992 with modern upgrades that make this a great family fishing boat for inshore enthusiasts. Center console, spacious casting decks, swim platform, and more!

Used Sportcraft Center Console

Used Sportcraft Center Console

Used Sportcraft Center Console

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Used Vintage Sportcraft 20 ft Fishing Boat 

 

Features

Want more information or a quote? Stop by, call, or use the form below to request more infromation. Click the image to expand or use the arrows to view more.

  • Center Console
  • 20 Ft with trailer included
  • Windshield
  • Wide platform with stainless steel guide rails / accents
  • Rod holders
  • 200 HP Evinrude (2-stroke) outboard engine included. Upgrade to a Yamaha V-MAX SHO or your choice of compatible Yamaha outboard engine. 
  • Vintage model Sportcraft fishing boat with previous owner customizations
  • Suitable for cruising, saltwater / freshwater fishing, nearshore, bay cruising, and navigating the intercoastal.

Based out of Perry, Florida, Sportcraft is a family-owned boat manufacturer that was established back in 1958 and released its last model in the early 2000’s. Their boats include the BowRider,  Walk Around, and Center Console as their most popular models and are ideal for watersports, snorkling, fishing, swimming off deck, charters, and even day trips. Previous owners tout that the fiberglass construction is solid even after years of use. Come in and see her for yourself!

 

Request More Information

Browse More Boats

2024 Key West 230 Bay Reef

We partner with Key West to stock expertly crafted fiberglass center console fishing boats complete with all the features fishermen love and all the space to bring family and friends along for the ride!

Used Sportcraft Center Console

Pre-owned Sportcraft Center Console – 21 ft fishing boat with Evinrude outboard and trailer. Includes accessories shown and custom upgrades by previous owner. View all our vintage models now!

New & Used Griff Craft Skiffs

Griff Craft are inexpensive flat bottom fishing boats perfect for fishing local waters inshore and nearshore. New and used models available with outboard and trailer!

1720 CC Key West Sportsman

NEW 2024 upgraded 1720 CC Key West ‘Sportsman’ – the most popular Key West model since 1992 with modern upgrades that make this a great family fishing boat for inshore enthusiasts. Center console, spacious casting decks, swim platform, and more!

Key West 179FS 2024

2024 NEW Key West 179FS was designed with practicality and purpose in mind with minimalistic equipment to improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability. At just under 18′, this model caters to the family or fisherman that appreciates a light weight and easy to handle ride with room for customization.

Used McKee Craft

Used McKee Craft

Used McKee Craft

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View More

The Unsinkable McKee Craft

Click to view manufacturer website.

Features

Want more information or a quote? Stop by, call, or use the form below to request more infromation. Click the image to expand or use the arrows to view more.

  • Center Console
  • Windshield
  • 22 ft
  • 450 HP Evinrude E-Tech Engine with Custom Gear Case
  • Trailer Included
  • Cushioned seating
  • Fiberglass construction
  • Live Well
  • Casting platform
  • Insulated Fiberglass Construction
  • Dry Storage Space
  • Includes Accessories Shown

This ‘unsinkable;’ McKee Craft center console fishing boat has plenty of customized and upgraded standard features from the eye-catching Evinrude E-tec engine gear case to the cushioned benchseats, stainless steel accents, and wide design for plenty of space.

Production of McKee Craft models ended in 2009, but production allegedly resumed in 2022. Owners of these sturdy fiberglass boats say the unsinkable slogan is accurate and these boats perform pretty well for their retail price. Come in and make an offer for Honey Biscuit and make her yours or contact us for more info! 

Request More Information

Browse More Boats

2024 Key West 230 Bay Reef

We partner with Key West to stock expertly crafted fiberglass center console fishing boats complete with all the features fishermen love and all the space to bring family and friends along for the ride!

Used Sportcraft Center Console

Pre-owned Sportcraft Center Console – 21 ft fishing boat with Evinrude outboard and trailer. Includes accessories shown and custom upgrades by previous owner. View all our vintage models now!

New & Used Griff Craft Skiffs

Griff Craft are inexpensive flat bottom fishing boats perfect for fishing local waters inshore and nearshore. New and used models available with outboard and trailer!

1720 CC Key West Sportsman

NEW 2024 upgraded 1720 CC Key West ‘Sportsman’ – the most popular Key West model since 1992 with modern upgrades that make this a great family fishing boat for inshore enthusiasts. Center console, spacious casting decks, swim platform, and more!

Key West 179FS 2024

2024 NEW Key West 179FS was designed with practicality and purpose in mind with minimalistic equipment to improve fuel efficiency and maneuverability. At just under 18′, this model caters to the family or fisherman that appreciates a light weight and easy to handle ride with room for customization.