Possibly Stupid Question

[rogerwa]

I'm not sure why I am thinking of this as we head into summer, but.. It seems as if there are a lot of I/O owners plagued by freeze damaged engines caused by bad winterization or none at all.<br /><br />My question is, why don't I/O motors in the norhtern climates get outfitted with block heaters that can be turned on easily when there may be a freeze. This would not eliminate winterizing, it would just allow safety during the transition ot winter.<br /><br />Since i/o's are generally automotive blocks, they should be able to be fitted.<br /><br />They are cheap too. <$40.<br /><br />Just curious..

 

[495v]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

The new Mercs are single point drain systems were all you do is turn this screw clockwise two times and it pressure's the system and drains it. Allows for longer use into the winter months and can be done in two minutes right at the launch. Were was this idea ten years ago.

 

[G DANE]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

On all the volvos since 1970.

 

[Scottj25]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

The heater is a option and most people don't op for it, as for me I drain the engine and Manafold each time I'm done using the boat. Hoping I can slow down any rusting. And draining the engine only take a few min.

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

People would have to plug them in. Still leaves room for them to screw it up. They are the ones that come back year after year with the same problems. If you dont winterize you shouldnt be on the water come spring.

 

[Mumblerone]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

There are no stupid questions! Only stupid answers. Often a boat is stored where there is no access to electrical power. Secondly, what if the power goes off? Not worth the risk; winterizing properly...lets one sleep on cold winter nights!

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

I think one of the reasons I am curious is that I just bought my first I/O boat and in MN we can have hard freezes in early October. I like to fish and go for leaf cruises in mid to late October, depending on weather, and do not want to fully winterize until it is being layed up.<br /><br />I store the boat in the garage which should protect me, but it occurred to me that a block heater could provide transitional protection before being laid up.<br /><br />I guess it's not a new idea. I just never heard it was an option..

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Possibly Stupid Question

Another interim solution could be an engine compartment heater. There are heaters manufactured for that purpose (spark-proof, like boat alternators and starters), but in a garage you might be able to come up with other options. An overhead heater might work to keep the garage warm enough.<br /><br />I winter over in Maryland off the Chesapeake, and used a couple of 100 watt bulbs last year. It was a mild winter, and this wouldn't be quite sufficient in a colder climate -- but like you, I want to be able to use the boat well into the Fall.