Greetings all. First post from new I/O owner.
My former boats were straight-shaft inboards, so I have a few questions about outdrives and I/Os in general.
We recently bought a used SeaRay (23 ft) and intend to use it thru most of the winter. It's stored on a trailer in an unheated garage. Current plans are to heat it in the winter (more on that later). I'm curious if the outdrive requires a heat blanket or if it will drain sufficiently like an outboard does. I assume it needs to be returned to the vertical position to drain. It will not be exposed to the elements, but will be at ambient temperature during the cold days.
Regarding the heat source itself: Current plans are to have a temperature-controlled heater inside the engine compartment, and an electric blanket (on low) wrapped around the engine as a backup. I've used this before on my inboards with no problems, but they are more tightly cowled and have no vulnerable mechanicals outside the hull.
I live in Texas, where below-freezing temperatures are somewhat rare, and will be able to keep an eye on the boat/heat when temps are forecast to fall. This should mitigate any danger from power outages, as I can open the garage and do a quick drain should a power failure occur along with freezing temps.
I'm curious what methods others are using to keep boating during the winter. I would also like advice/opinions on the outdrive itself. I've got one of those rare combos, a 5.7 Merc w Alpha 1 drive.
Thanks in advance for any advice/replies. Trying to make sure I'm not setting myself up for problems.
My former boats were straight-shaft inboards, so I have a few questions about outdrives and I/Os in general.
We recently bought a used SeaRay (23 ft) and intend to use it thru most of the winter. It's stored on a trailer in an unheated garage. Current plans are to heat it in the winter (more on that later). I'm curious if the outdrive requires a heat blanket or if it will drain sufficiently like an outboard does. I assume it needs to be returned to the vertical position to drain. It will not be exposed to the elements, but will be at ambient temperature during the cold days.
Regarding the heat source itself: Current plans are to have a temperature-controlled heater inside the engine compartment, and an electric blanket (on low) wrapped around the engine as a backup. I've used this before on my inboards with no problems, but they are more tightly cowled and have no vulnerable mechanicals outside the hull.
I live in Texas, where below-freezing temperatures are somewhat rare, and will be able to keep an eye on the boat/heat when temps are forecast to fall. This should mitigate any danger from power outages, as I can open the garage and do a quick drain should a power failure occur along with freezing temps.
I'm curious what methods others are using to keep boating during the winter. I would also like advice/opinions on the outdrive itself. I've got one of those rare combos, a 5.7 Merc w Alpha 1 drive.
Thanks in advance for any advice/replies. Trying to make sure I'm not setting myself up for problems.
