boating in the cold winter

[MGV]

I am in need of some teaching. I would like to go out during the cold winter (yea right) and do some fishing by boat for steelhead. The only problem is saving the motor from freezing solid. I have a 40 hp merc on my boat. I would be traveling up to 40-50 miles to go fish. Is there something out there to keep the motor from freezing while trailering it? Any thing else i should worry about with my boat doing this?
thanks
MGV

[jimbos43]

You mean after you fish? I can't believe if after you pull it out of the water, tilt it up/down a couple of times, and knock over the engine a couple of times, that you would have any problems.

[ESOX]

Yep, Jims right, just tilt it all the way down and let it drain. Also check the livewells and bilge to make sure they are empty.

[QuakrTrakr]

I pull the motor off the boat and put it in the back of the truck, out of the weather. I realize it might be tough with a 40 horse, but anything up to a 25horse can easily be lifted.

[Spanky]

All current outboards( last 20 yrs) have complete gravity drain.

Pull out, tilt down, until all dripping stops( do this off the ramp please ) I usually turn the key - crank- and back off. Do NOT let it run. The impeller can be damaged in a short as 3-5 secounds.I use my boat all winter long , and for over ten yrs now. never had a problem with freezing. My steering cable does tend to freeze on occasion. Seems to get water in at the very end near the motor. I hope to have this lil problem fixed on the next boat!

Make sure you check gear lube in unit before winter arrives, If its milky, means some water's gettin in, check seals and change lube.

Don't let the winter spoil your boating

[ESOX]

One more thing, wear your PFD, that water is COLD.

[MGV]

Well i guess that i might go out and try some fishing. Thanks for the input.

[Lunker]

if you have a power trim make sure you raise it till it screams and dont stop raising it till you see real neat psychodelic designs on the water behind your boat! HAHA just kidding dont blow out your trim seals like I just saw a guy recently do while winterizing ....DOH!

[riverrat1]

Cold weather will turnup any problems and makes for a good shakedown for spring. I had mine over on the St. Joe, it started hard wouldn't idle, so I put it in the shop. It'll save problems later. Jack