winter boat fishing (freezing?)

[isda]

Hello all, I am asking anyone who would have an idea on how to keep a boat motor from freezing during overnight fishing in temps of 15*? I am doing the Burbot bash with a friend and he is trying to back out on me saying he doesn't want to replace his motor if it freezes. I don't want to replace it either so i am asking for any tips or tricks anybody knows to keep an outboard from getting too cold.

Thanks
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[Kent]

When you launch let it set in the water a couple minutes before firing it up. When you put it on the trailer, with the trim lowered, crank the outboard a few times to pump out the water. As long as he doesn't have any water in the lower unit he should be good to go.
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[isda]

Kent, will this keep a motor from freezing while we are on Flaming Gorge? This is what he is mostly concerned about, the motor freezing while we are fishing for burbot.
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[spinmaster21]

We did this same thing last year and maybe doing it again this year with the ice being so sketchy. As long as you leave your boat in the water overnight where it's not cold enough to freeze the lake over you'll be just fine. We left our boat in the water overnight and it fired right back up the next day no problem. You would have to worry about it if you were taking the boat out of the water late and letting it sit in the parking lot or wherever, you'd have to do as recommended and kick the water out or most newer boats these days have flow valves you can just open up to empty the water out of the engine quickly. Good luck and safe fishing!
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[isda]

Ok thanks for the heads up! He has no excuses now!!! lol
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[Lundman]

Just Google the subject "Winterizing your Boat" you will get lots of hits - inboard, Outboard, ... whatever is your target craft.

Outboards winterize right after you come of the water by doing a couple things - running the carb dry and and a couple turn overs of the motor after you are out of the water - you could also fog the card or run Sea foam in the gas to stabilize the fuel.

Inboard require draining the exhaust manifolds and engine block - I have a 4 drains on my motor (inboard 4.3) and just drain them when I'm done fishing and on the ramp while the engine is still warm.

I run Sea foam in my tank for storage so I don't have to worry when my last trip of the year well be.

Go Luck - hopefully the soft water will let you head out with the boat.
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[Kent]

[quote isda]

Kent, will this keep a motor from freezing while we are on Flaming Gorge? This is what he is mostly concerned about, the motor freezing while we are fishing for burbot.

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The outboard should be fine while it is in the water. The precautions I outlined have to be taken when it taken out of the water.
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[isda]

Kent, when you making the trip to Fish Lake this year? if you go and have room again i would love to pitch in for gas.
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[Kent]

It would be a pleasure to fish with you again. Not sure if I will make it down there with Bear Lake having open water.
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