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Storing an outboard motor the right way is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment and avoid preventable engine problems. Whether your boat will be out of the water for a few months or sitting unused for an entire season, following a structured storage checklist helps reduce corrosion, fuel issues, and hard starts when it’s time to get back on the water.
This guide is designed as a practical, step-by-step outboard motor storage checklist that supports the broader maintenance principles covered in your main outboard motor storage pillar. You can treat this as a repeatable routine every time your engine will sit unused for an extended period.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as professional mechanical, legal, or insurance advice. Boat maintenance procedures, manufacturer recommendations, and insurance coverage options can vary based on vessel type, engine manufacturer, location, and individual policy terms. Always consult your owner’s manual, a qualified marine professional, or your insurance provider for guidance specific to your situation. Coverage availability and requirements may differ by policy and carrier.
This checklist is recommended if:
Short gaps between outings usually don’t require full storage prep, but once inactivity stretches beyond a few weeks, proactive maintenance becomes important.
Before storage, flush the engine with fresh water to remove:
Use flushing muffs or a built-in flush port and follow manufacturer guidelines for run time. This step is especially critical for saltwater boats.
Storage is the ideal time to catch small issues before they become expensive ones.
Check:
Addressing issues now helps avoid surprises when recommissioning.
Fuel problems are one of the most common causes of post-storage engine trouble.
Fuel system prep can include:
Untreated fuel can break down over time, leading to clogged injectors, varnish buildup, and difficult starts.
Changing oil before storage helps remove:
Leaving old oil inside an engine during storage can increase internal corrosion risk. Gearcase lubricant should also be checked for signs of water intrusion.
Fogging coats internal engine components with protective oil to help prevent corrosion during long-term storage.
Fogging is typically recommended for:
Fogging procedures vary by engine type, so always follow manufacturer guidance. This checklist assumes fogging is part of a complete long-term storage plan.
Whenever possible, store the outboard:
Storing an engine tilted up can allow water to pool in areas where it shouldn’t, increasing corrosion risk.
External corrosion prevention is just as important as internal protection.
Before storage:
This is especially important for boats stored near the coast.
Electrical issues can prevent an otherwise healthy engine from starting.
Best practices include:
If the boat is stored outdoors:
Proper covering protects against UV exposure, moisture, and debris.
Before walking away:
A final check helps prevent simple oversights.
After long-term storage, it’s normal for engines to:
This is especially common if internal protection steps were taken during storage. Restarting procedures and what’s considered normal vs problematic are covered in a dedicated recommissioning and de-fogging guide.
Damage caused by:
May not be treated the same as sudden accidental damage under a boat insurance policy. While coverage varies by carrier and policy, following consistent maintenance and storage practices can help reduce the risk of avoidable engine issues.
Storing an outboard motor correctly isn’t complicated, but it does require consistency. Following a structured checklist helps protect internal components, fuel systems, and electrical connections—reducing frustration and repair costs when boating season returns.
This checklist works best when paired with deeper guides on fogging, fuel preparation, and restarting after storage, forming a complete outboard motor maintenance ecosystem.
