How to extend the boating season?

[bassmantweed]

I live in Ct and it wont be long until the temps start dipping down into the freezing area. I would really like to keep my boat operational until the leaves are all off the trees. usually around mid to end of October.

How can I avoid the cold weather damaging my boat? I have heard of the light bulb trick - I have also seen dipstick heaters. I think between these two I can protect my engine.

http://www.amazon.com/Kats-15200-Dipstick-Style-Heater/dp/B000BO74DG

Do I need to do anything for the lower unit? I don't expect to keep it un-winterized into the deep cold just trying to protect against momentary dips into the freezing zone.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: How to extend the boating season?

Do you leave it in the water or out? I use to live in Ct and we ran year round out of stamford harbour. Our boat was slipped. If you slip the boat, just make sure your outdrive is left in the water, this will keep the lower unit from cracking the housing.Man, I miss the fishing up there!

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: How to extend the boating season?

Yeah, if you keep it in the water, just use it as like normal.

I live on my houseboat until the first week of November in Vermont. No heat. No problems.

Just watch out for slippery decks in the mornings until the frost melts off.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: How to extend the boating season?

first of all, what kind of drive system?

 

[bassmantweed]

Re: How to extend the boating season?

you guys and all of your details jeeeze........ joking - rookie move not including them.

stingray stern drive 3.0 on a trailer.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: How to extend the boating season?

The idea is to get any standing water out of the boat. The 3.0 is very easy to drain. My Searay had just two petcocks - one in the manifold, another in the block. Both on right side as you stand facing aft, looking at the engine. Get a manual just to make sure you've got only two as well. Once you open those the motor will drain into the bilge in just a minute or so. Make sure the holes aren't plugged with rust and the engine truly drains.

Then store the boat in the trailer with the outdrive in the down position. Again, the idea is to get standing water out of the drive so it doesn't pool and do damage. This assumes you've got no other standing water systems in the boat (livewell pumps, etc.).

One other thing you should be sure of is that your gearcase is sealed well against water intrusion. A buddy cracked his becuase he didn't realize his oil was mixed with water. Crack the drain screw and make sure no water dribbles out.

You DO need to drain the motor as even one night with a good, sub zero cold snap and your block can be ruined. Now, if your boat lives in a cozy garage, disregard.

Enjoy!