Freezing weather and the outboard

[filetnfish]

What steps do you take to protect your outboard in freezing weather. I plan to do a little fishing on warmer days and wonder what steps should be taken to protect the boat when not in use for the cold. Just wondering who does a full winterize after each use and who does nothing to protect the boat.

[Speck]

I use my boat all winter and never winterize it. I just make sure to let all of the water drain from the lower unit after pulling out of the lake. I do store my boat in my shop so its not exposed to the elements.

[Sow tamer]

All i do is lower the outboard to allow water to drain from lower unit.

[Hogster1]

Just what Speck said. I use mine all winter long and when you pull it out leave the motor trimmed down till all the water drains out and i also pull my plug just to be sure none is in the hull that would freeze my bilge pumps.You might also spray some WD on your bunks after you luanch the boat to keep it from freezing to the trailer.I have yet to have mine freeze to the trailer but a few on here have.

[bwillaub]

All good suggestions.

[beagle man]

I do the same and I also twist and turn the trolling motor to drain the water form it also.

[filetnfish]

thanks for the replys. After I fished Friday, i left the boat out for several hours and lowered and raised the motor a few times until water quit coming out of the lower unit. I was just concerned about any water that might be trapped in the head. I hate to do a full winterize and then decide to go fishing in a few days. I also trimmed it down in storage. First boat, so just hoping i do the right thing.

[N2Crappie]

I always check the lower unit for water in the oil before it gets cold. I've heard of them freezing and cracking.

N2

[Bigby]

Ditto on the oil, main cause of cracking the lower unit because there is no room for the ice to expand inside the casing.

[1badchampion]

thanks for the replys. After I fished Friday, i left the boat out for several hours and lowered and raised the motor a few times until water quit coming out of the lower unit. I was just concerned about any water that might be trapped in the head. I hate to do a full winterize and then decide to go fishing in a few days. I also trimmed it down in storage. First boat, so just hoping i do the right thing.

It never hurts to ask! I was always taught by my dad is the only dumb question is the one not asked! I do what everyne else is saying! Raise and lower motor about 3-5 times! I also store my boat in my garage so it is not exposed to extreme cold!