Early Season Outboard Usage

[1980Galaxy]

I'm looking to buy an aluminum bass boat soon (Feb-Mar). I never owned an outboard before but I have been doing some research. I am sure I will want to take the boat out as soon as we get a few warm days.

Will I hurt anything by taking it out early in the year when temps will go back to being cold?

I currently have an I/O and I know that I can't take it out until I am sure that temps won't fall below freezing at night (unless i drain all the water again). But what about outboards? My understanding is that they drain themselves after each use...?

I don't want to ruin a brand new boat just because I can't wait to get it out on the water but I also want to get the most use out of it, too. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Early Season Outboard Usage

I use mine year round. Just make sure you lower to motor so the water can drain out.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Early Season Outboard Usage

I have run mine salmon fishing when it was 19 degrees so no, it won't hurt a thing, might not want to start right up but it is fine.

Watch for ice, around here the main river will open up and big chunks of ice will still be breaking up out of coves and stuff and float down river.

 

[fisherguy123]

Re: Early Season Outboard Usage

Our Inshore fisherman hunt seals from outboard powered boats in the ice-flows in early spring. No problem !

 

[1980Galaxy]

Re: Early Season Outboard Usage

Good to hear... thanks.