Using merc 3.0 in winter months

[bowler]

hello all,

any tips for using a boat during the winter months? i'd like to have access to it for fishing and maybe a boxing day ski. if the water was drained between uses could it sit during potential freezing conditions or am i safer just to winterise and wait until spring? i'm in ireland so it can get pretty cold. boat is a 96 17ft maxum bowrider.

thanks,

d.

 

[Dave1251]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

Just drain the engine after each use. I would spend the few miniutes when you pull the boat out of the water. Also, make sure the drive drains after you pull the boat by lower it on the trailer.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

Ayuh,... As long as it's Drained,... Dry...
Freezing temp don't matter,... Air don't freeze....

 

[Peaceful Pirate]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

One additional thought ? Take the time to check the lub in your our drive. Water intrusion will show up as a milky mixture. If allowed to set, over time the water can separate out of the oil and will freeze, possibly causing you some problems.

 

[bowler]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

forgive my ignorance. how might i check the lube in the outdrive?

cheers.

 

[Rocky_Road]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

forgive my ignorance. how might i check the lube in the outdrive?

cheers.

I don't know which out drive you have, but...almost every brand has a drain plug located at the bottom of the drive. Just allow a small amount to drain into a clear container, and examine it for signs of separated water and/or milky color.

Real easy to do, and you don't need to drain very much!

Happy boating!

 

[rad1026]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

I usually pull the top plug and pull a sample out from the top with a small tube. I figure if there is water in the oil its going to eventually separate and float to the top. A sample from the bottom might not give you as good a result if the boat has been sitting a while. Just my thoughts, could be wrong.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

I usually pull the top plug and pull a sample out from the top with a small tube. I figure if there is water in the oil its going to eventually separate and float to the top. A sample from the bottom might not give you as good a result if the boat has been sitting a while. Just my thoughts, could be wrong.

Ayuh,... I regret to inform you,... You Are...

Oil Floats on water....
Water settles to the Bottom...

 

[IES99]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

You don't need to do anything but drain the block and exhaust manifold between uses. If you use it monthly, no problems will occur.

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Using merc 3.0 in winter months

we pretty much use our boat all winter and it sets in the summer.
we drain the block,manifolds, remove lower water pump hose, engine oil cooler hose and both lower manifold hoses. sea water pump hose if coming out of water.
this works for us and have never added anti freeze but i am sure this drains our system dry.
if you figure out all your water passages and make sure they are dry you will be ok. dont guess. get the service manual and trace the water-coolant flow till your sure you havent missed a spot that can hold water.
i like to drain mine hot right after i shut it off. you need to be quick, or a little warm on fingers.
i can do this in 5 min now and jill can do her self in 15