From walleye to whitetails: Winterizing the fishing machine
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Winterizing the boat is not a difficult process, when it was 31 degrees at the house Tuesday morning, I figured Mother Nature was sending a not-so-subtle reminder.
Photo courtesy of James Monteleone The young doe fawn in the forefront of this photo is still with her mama right next to her, but in a few days, the young deer will get kicked out as the season to mate gets closer for the older mother deer.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Winterizing the boat is not a difficult process, when it was 31 degrees at the house Tuesday morning, I figured Mother Nature was sending a not-so-subtle reminder.
Photo courtesy of James Monteleone The young doe fawn in the forefront of this photo is still with her mama right next to her, but in a few days, the young deer will get kicked out as the season to mate gets closer for the older mother deer.
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For some of us Western New York sportsmen, the combination of early archery season and another incredible, productive Lake Erie walleye season means it's time to winterize the boat and get serious about the tree stand.
When it was 31 degrees at the house Tuesday morning, I figured Mother Nature was sending me a not-so-subtle reminder: get the water out of the boat before she turns it into an ice sculpture.
So, yesterday, that's exactly what I did. Of course it'll probably be 70 this weekend. That's OK. It's time.
My 21-foot Sylvan Super Sportsman is a fishing machine. Up front is a Minn Kota Ulterra, and I love that anchor-lock function. Out back is an old, trusty Mercury 115-horsepower two-stroke. It's been a great combination for chasing Lake Erie walleye, along with my 9.9 HP Merc trolling motor.
My winterizing routine is pretty simple, and it has served me well for about 60 years.
First, I add fuel stabilizer to the full 31-gallon tank. I use ethanol-free fuel, put the ear muffs on the outboard and start the motor, letting it run for five minutes or so, so the stabilized fuel circulates through the system.
Next, I drain the lower unit and refill it with brand-new 75W-90 hypoid oil. Same for the trolling motor.
Then I pull the drain plug at the stern and crank up the jack at the front of the boat trailer, allowing any remaining water -- including water from the live well -- to find its way out. With the main motor in its full vertical running position, I turn the key and let the engine turn over for about one second without the ear muffs. That kicks out the last tablespoon or so of water hiding around the impeller blades.
Before putting the cover back on, I charge all four batteries: the main motor battery, the downrigger battery and the two batteries powering the bow motor. Once charged, I disconnect them and they’re ready for next season.
Finally, I check the trailer tires. My eight-ply tires get set at their recommended 42 psi. Then it's off to the storage barn, and the Sylvan is officially retired until 2027.
There are plenty of online winterizing procedures that are considerably more complicated. This simple routine has worked for me for roughly six decades. As my dad used to say, "KISS -- Keep It Simple, Stupid."
I grin every time I think about that phrase -- and him. Some lessons stick with you a lot longer than others.
Of course, an inboard engine is a different story and requires a more involved winterizing process. But for my two-stroke outboard setup, this has kept things simple and dependable.
The time feels right to trade the walleye gear for my new crossbow, head for the woods and enjoy another great Western New York hunting season.
Let’s all remember what makes these fisheries, forests and wildlife resources so special: take care of the resource, respect the land and water, follow the regulations, and do our part to conserve the outdoors for the next generation.
Good luck to everyone heading into the October big-game woods. Stay safe, enjoy the outdoors, and maybe I’ll see you out there -- assuming I can get out of the tree stand before the next walleye season starts.
Gotta love the outdoors.