I got a new-to-me 1989 Vista 245 with a 5.0 OMC Cobra. I've never taken care of my own boat before and now a bit concerned about the coming winter. I'm thinking of pulling out the thermostats, putting muffs on it and running some antifreeze through the engine until it comes out the exhaust. Does anyone have any advice or pointers on this method? Is this even the best option I got to winterize my boat? I want to make sure I'm not missing any steps. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Winterizing tips for my 1989 Vista 245
- Thread starter xpmarin3r
- Start date
g4rd3n salad
New member
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- Aug 21, 2025
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@xpmarin3r definitely don't need to pull the thermostats, and in fact, you shouldn't!
You need the engine to get up to a normal operating temperature to let the thermostats open so the antifreeze can circulate through the entire cooling system.
The easiest way to do this is to get a winterization kit or use a big bucket of marine antifreeze with the water intake hose dropped in.
This make sure the engine sucks in the pure antifreeze without it being diluted by the water from the muff
You need the engine to get up to a normal operating temperature to let the thermostats open so the antifreeze can circulate through the entire cooling system.
The easiest way to do this is to get a winterization kit or use a big bucket of marine antifreeze with the water intake hose dropped in.
This make sure the engine sucks in the pure antifreeze without it being diluted by the water from the muff
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