How cold is to cold?

[jww69]

I've got a 16 ft. Weldbilt, with a 1988 Merc. 50hp. It's my all around boat, I hunt and fish out of it. I hunt alot this time of year. Is it to cold to run a boat when the air temp. is in the teens or twentys? Will it freeze my block when I stop running and leave my boat for several hrs. and hunt?

 

[arimatation]

Re: How cold is to cold?

My understanding is the engine will drain completely to the waterline. So unless the water is freezing over you should be OK.

But don't take my word for it. Others should chime in.

 

[lprizman]

Re: How cold is to cold?

nope,,,have at it
just leave the motor down to drain

 

[steelespike]

Re: How cold is to cold?

I used to boat on the St lawrence till the 1st weekend of December Sometimes there would be ice inside my open utility.Fortunately the wave action on the open water was enough that it didn't freeze around the lower unit/leg.My mothers boat in a quiet slip sometimes required hot water around the leg to be sure the pump was not frozen.Also sometimes the leg would be a big chunk of ice from wave splash when the wind kicked up but the pump would be ok because it was in the water.
Point is water has to freeze pretty good for the pump to be in danger and as stated
motor and leg drain to the waterline.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How cold is to cold?

good as long as you can get the foot into the water.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: How cold is to cold?

carry a spare gas line and keep it empty, or warm; gas lines will freeze when it's real bad out.

 

[jww69]

Re: How cold is to cold?

Thanks for all the info. guys. I love this forum, you can search or ask questions and get answers to just about anything. Maybe I'll kill a big one this weekend, if I can handle the cold boat ride. Once again I appreciate all the coments.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: How cold is to cold?

If that motor is oil injected, any water in the oil tank can freeze and clog up the oil line. I would also be concerned how thick the oil became at those low temperatures, and whether it was too thick to pump properly. If it is a premix motor, you should have no issue.

 

[dingbat]

Re: How cold is to cold?

If that motor is oil injected, any water in the oil tank can freeze and clog up the oil line. I would also be concerned how thick the oil became at those low temperatures, and whether it was too thick to pump properly. If it is a premix motor, you should have no issue.

2 stroke injector oil = -40 degree F.

Can't speak for all but it would take a considerable amount of water in the bottom of a 3 oil gallon tank to freeze the intake and cause problems.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: How cold is to cold?

I use my boat (outboard) all winter long. Last year we had a couple days below zero with no issues. Coldest last year was -9 and the motor had no issues at all.
As already stated above, keep the motor in the down position.

 

[arimatation]

Re: How cold is to cold?

Good point about the injector tank. Synthetic oil should do the trick.....