dingbat
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2001
- Messages
- 16,491
Re: Safe to use outboard later in season?
Obviously there are no Striper fisherman here or you would know what cold weather boating was all about.
Striper season runs from November season runs from November thru to February. The only thing that keeps us off the water is if the water freezes over and when saltwater freezes over that's cold. The coldest I can remember leaving the dock was 9 degrees F. We had to sit and wait for the pi$$er to thaw out to make sure we had water pressure. The water pressure gauge was frozen the better part of the day.
No problem running at those temps. Let here warm up at the dock then run the 15-20 miles to the shipping channel before putting the line out. The boat actually runs better with the heavy cold air.
As for the lower unit, you will have no problems running all winter long. Tilt the motor up and down a couple of times to drain the water out of the power head before you leave the ramp and you’re good to go.
I do my yearly lower unit oil change the end of October more out of habit than anything.
Obviously there are no Striper fisherman here or you would know what cold weather boating was all about.
Striper season runs from November season runs from November thru to February. The only thing that keeps us off the water is if the water freezes over and when saltwater freezes over that's cold. The coldest I can remember leaving the dock was 9 degrees F. We had to sit and wait for the pi$$er to thaw out to make sure we had water pressure. The water pressure gauge was frozen the better part of the day.
No problem running at those temps. Let here warm up at the dock then run the 15-20 miles to the shipping channel before putting the line out. The boat actually runs better with the heavy cold air.
As for the lower unit, you will have no problems running all winter long. Tilt the motor up and down a couple of times to drain the water out of the power head before you leave the ramp and you’re good to go.
I do my yearly lower unit oil change the end of October more out of habit than anything.
