outboard 4stoke and cold weather

[Jasonsamko]

First outboard owner question.
My boat can be picked up anytime. I live in northern michigan. If i pick up my new pontoon with a 2013 merc 150 4 stroke and we fire it up at the dealership do i have to worry about cold weather freezing and damaging the motor if it sits outside at my house and we get some below freezing nights still?
my bayliner with a 3.0 i/o i have to "winterize by flushing with antifreeze and draining the block and intake or it could freeze and crack. Is the outboard the same situation or can it be ran with water muffs and then shut off and left alone in freezing temps.
This question is the factor that decides when i have the boat rigged and brought home.
Thanks,

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: outboard 4stoke and cold weather

As long as the motor is stored straight down it is self draining and will be just fine. Outboards are a lot simpler to maintain. Ask the dealer if you need any thing else, you may need to give it a shot of fogging oil depending on how long it will sit and the type of motor it is and being as its new the LU gear oil should be just fine.

 

[Jasonsamko]

Re: outboard 4stoke and cold weather

That exactly the answer I was hoping for.
Thank you!

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: outboard 4stoke and cold weather

This is why fisherman love their outboards. Nice day in February you can dunk your rig. You can with an IO too but you better remember to drain the block when you're done.