Boat in water below freezing

[sebas54]

Hi, I have an I/O and will be keeping my boat in the water for another couple of weeks. My question is, when it gets below freezing will my engine freeze and crack? I see a lot of boats left in and being used periodically. This is my first season with the boat so I am confused if I can leave it in without winterizing it or doing something to it. I do plan on taking it out and winterizing it in a couple of weeks. The temp. is going to drop this weekend and I am concerned. Also, it is in salt water or brackish water.

Thank you, everyone at this web site for being so helpful.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

Ayuh,..........

Drain the Block,+ Manifolds,........

Then it'll be No Problem..............

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

Be aware of the fact that with the drains open and the motor is in a low setting you could pull water from the intake hose and sink by siphon action.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

Having it in the water w/o winterizing is safer than on land.The water wont be anywhere near freezing for the next few weeks no matter how cold the air gets.The water will act as insulation.Charlie

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

please explain the "water will act like insulation"???????????????
that might work if the motor was under water but the motor is surounded by air.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

please explain the "water will act like insulation"???????????????
that might work if the motor was under water but the motor is surounded by air.

Like a Big Heat Sink would be a Better Discription........

My River House is usually about 5* warmer than this in-town house,...........
Till it Freezes,....
Then it's just plain ole Cold everywhere................................

 

[ziggy]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

i'd be worried too.

i'd be going with air....drain the water from it... sounds like replaceing the plugs could be a good idea too.....i'd do that anyways as that way i know where the plug is......

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

Seabas5, When the air gets colder than freezing, I recommend you put some kind of heater (non flame type, obviously) under the block to keep it warm. Some folks use 40W light bulbs for this purpose. I use a 40W heating pad that I strap to the oil pan bottom. The oil stays warm, as does the block, and this in turn helps in startup. This is not a whole winter solution however. You need to drain it and winterize the block when it gets to be consistantly below freezing.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

I recommend you put some kind of heater (non flame type, obviously) under the block to keep it warm. Some folks use 40W light bulbs for this purpose. I use a 40W heating pad that I strap to the oil pan bottom.

what happens if the power goes down?

for the amount of time ya spend doing that. let alone the possible spark hazard. ya could have the system drained and know it won't freeze........

 

[Bondo]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

what happens if the power goes down?

for the amount of time ya spend doing that. let alone the possible spark hazard. ya could have the system drained and know it won't freeze........

Ayuh,.........

If I remember Right,....... He's got a 4.3l,....
That's only 4 drains,+ a Hose or 2.........

 

[fendersfender]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

even if it gets to around 25 degrees at night and the water is aroung 50 or so and the boat is covered...the motor will not freeze...the warmer water will keep the hull of boat warmer than the air.....you will be fine unless temps get really cold and stay that way....

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Boat in water below freezing

Thanks guys !!! Saves me the time of answering what seems to be a pretty obvious conclusion.I always love a team effort. Heww Haaaaaa !!!! Charlie