Pull the plugs or pull the boat?

[Lil captain]

Let me start by apologizing for my ingnorance, but its a simple question. I have recently put my I/o mercruiser in at a slip at the local marina in western ny. The temps are supposed to get down in the 20 to 30 degree range with snow in the forecast for the next couple nights. My question is should I be concerned about water freezing in the block and exhaust manifolds or will the lake water maintain the temps enough to protect the engine? Or should I pull the drain plugs on exhaust and motor? Just to be clear the daytime highs are forecasted to be in the 40 degree range. Thanks for the replies, this is the most valuable site I have ever seen.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Pull the plugs or pull the boat?

Feeling Lucky?
I would drain it to be safe if it were mine,

 

[Lil captain]

Re: Pull the plugs or pull the boat?

Thanks, that was how I was thinking but I knew you guys in the know would give me a straight answer, thank you very much. I'll do mine and couple others, that may have been a little to eager to get them in the water. Happy mothers day

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Pull the plugs or pull the boat?

Yup, no way for 'us' to tell what the temperature drop will actually do. So I would drain things down.

Winter just won't quit. I have yet to start my engines, because of the temps dropping at night, etc.