I am planning on an early season fishing trip and then will put the boat back into inside non-heated storage. Is there anything I should do to for the boat and engine to make sure I do not have freezing issues?
The usual stuff. Make sure you tilt the motor down all the way after pulling the boat out of the water. I also like to run the engine for a couple of seconds to clear any water in the pump.
Livewells and pumps can be problematic because any water left in the well, the drain hoses, the pump, etc can crack things and cause below waterline leaks. What you can do about this varies from boat to boat. Personally, I would just pour some non-tox RV antifreeze in the livewell after you’re done and let it run down the drain hose until it comes out the outlet at the transom.
Personally, I’d take advantage of this weekend’s “warm” weather to test fire your outborad and makes sure you can get a fire lit in her.
Grouse
Thanks for the reply. I do not plan to use the live well as I typically bring a fish cooler. I will probably fire her up this weekend and be ready for a couple of warmer days of fishing.
If possible stay on a slopped area for 5 or 10 minutes with the motor trimed as far down as possible. I would strongly suggest to NOT run your motor at all. It can and will cause impeller failure.
Once that is done trim the motor back up and head out. There may be a little water left in some areas that will freeze but usually not enough to crack anything. If it doesnt thaw out before the next trip there may be some thing such as any pumps and livewell valves that may not work right away until they thaw.
Thank you for the response. A little river fishing will be in order as it warms up over freezing.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
