Winterization question

[mcrofutt]

I only got around to using my boat once this season (yes, this is embarrassing, it was just a shakedown cruise of less than an hour. It's an 18' Chaparelle Bowrider with Mercruiser/Alpha I I/O.
It's time to winterize. I'm thinking all I need to do this time is flush out the cooling system and replace with antifreeze.
Do you agree I can skip the other fluid changes this time?

 

[samuel]

If you have e10 fuel in the tanks you better get out that fuel is not going to last 2 years even if it is treated. Also you can but some additive for your oil and fog your engine out, put your outdrive down. You are good to go until next year then I would change all fluids before using it.

 

[rbmitchell]

How old is the Mercruiser? Since 2000, maybe earlier, complete protection from freezing is gained by lowering the two engine drain hoses into the bilge and pulling the drain plug on the hull. Also pull the lower unit oil drain plug just enough to check for the presence of water. Read your manual.

 

[Cobalt 25]

There is an entire forum devoted to winterizing in BoaterEd. Lots of good information. I don't see your home port listed but if you feel a need to winterize it's not something to be taken lightly.

Peter