Outboards in winter

[BubbleheadMd]

I was reminded today that I could be inviting disaster by leaving my outboard in my boat this winter. The boat is going to remain in the water this winter, but will be pulled for the season next winter.

The boat is in a slip. If it's possible, I will lift it out and bring it home for winterization.

However, if pier and engine mount conditions prohibit this, will simply tilting the lower unit out of the water, get enough water out of it to keep the block from cracking?

[Garffin]

I would highly suggest you take the outboard off. I am pretty new to sailing and I am a new owner of a sailboat but I have been around the water for awhile. Without knowing how cold it gets where the boat is but I guess that if it’s cold enough to freeze the water then it’s cold enough to remove the outboard. I live on a 24’ boat atm and today it started snowing and I took my outboard and put it in the V berth. I guess I am lucky that I can remove it in about 5min. You have to think just a small amount of water frozen can split a rock. If there is water anywhere in that outboard and it freezes it will expand. Now as to if it causing the lower unit to break I would only guess. The cost of a new outboard would make me want to lean on the safe side and get it out of the water. Do you have the extra 1000s for a new outboard then leave it in and let me know in the spring how it turned out. One more thing if your boat is near Annapolis Md I might be able to give you a hand in removing it just let me know and yeah take the thing out. Dan

[pdqaltair]

and I am in Deale MD (near you). Everything that needs to drain, drains. I sail all year.

Actually 3 boats, but I can't edit the title for errors.

Yamaha, Johnson, Nissan, Merc.

Check-out my blog; if you are new to the area (sailing, at least) there might be some ideas for you!

Sleep well.

[BubbleheadMd]

Thanks guys. I'll investigate the amount of pivot I have tomorrow to see if I have to actually remove it or not.

PDQ- Gorgeous boat man. Enjoyed your blog.

Both of you guys are nearby. If we can't sail, we should at least meet up for a drink.

[tommays]

It can be and issue IF you leave it tilted and rain water fills the lower unit exhaust cavity and freezes.

UP this way it cracks them at least the bigger ones

[Michael K]

Originally Posted by BubbleheadMd

Both of you guys are nearby. If we can't sail, we should at least meet up for a drink.

That sounds like a good idea. I have a one-off 30' catamaran I keep on a mooring in Galesville. I didn't get to sail much this last season but could add to the conversation anyway.

[pdqaltair]

Originally Posted by tommays

It can be and issue IF you leave it tilted and rain water fills the lower unit exhaust cavity and freezes.

UP this way it cracks them at least the bigger ones

So, it depends.... These have been OK in the mid-Bay.

18hp Nissan 2s
9.9 Yamaha 4s
3.5 Merc 2s
8 Johhson s2

[Michael K]

PDQ,

So when you say it all drains out , are you suggesting there is no water left to freeze in a Yamaha 9.9's cooling system if it is tilted up? Wouldn't it be wise to displace any errant water with some of that non toxic pink antifreeze? If so, what point of entry would you suggest I use to get the anifreeze in place? I'd much prefer to leave my outboard where it is (on the boat) and have no regrets come Spring.

[BubbleheadMd]

Originally Posted by tommays

It can be and issue IF you leave it tilted and rain water fills the lower unit exhaust cavity and freezes.

UP this way it cracks them at least the bigger ones

If you tilt it up, and drain it, you can always wrap the lower unit with a section of blue plastic tarp to keep rainwater out.

[T37Chef]

Bubble,

Running antifreeze through your outboard is not an option? You can purchase those rabbit ears combined with a bucket and valve attachment and hose you should be all set. No hassle of removing it. Maybe I am mis interpreting your set up.