Winterizing

[Tacklewasher]

I guess it's that time of year. I've read the other threads and the good web site instructions on winterizing, but have a bit of a dumb question.<br /><br />I still plan on doing some winter fishing. Kinda makes winterizing a pain. I live in the interior of BC, Canada where it does freeze but the lakes don't and the trout are still biting (better than in the summer) in the big lakes. So am I stuck winterizing after each trip out?<br /><br />My thought is to keep the tank full with stabil and maybe some gas line anti-freeze, replace all the fluids in the leg and do an oil change next weekend. But if I'm using the boat once a month, am I asking for trouble?<br /><br />This is my first year with the boat. It's a ~1975 18' Starcraft aluminum with a 120hp OMC I/O.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Winterizing

The thing you will have to have to watch out for is if there is a hard freeze and you have not adequately drained and filled your I/O with antifreeze. If you don't the water will freeze and crack your block or manifolds which = big$. If you had and outboard, you could do this, but with an I/O you need it mothballed before it is exposed to freezing conditions.<br /><br />If the unit was stored in a heated garaged you may be OK.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: Winterizing

You are asking for trouble doing this. The lakes don't freeze because there is enough thermal mass and your temp does not go low enough for long enough to freeze them. The water that is captive in your engine block and stern drive leg will likely freeze when you are towing the boat home or there. The air temp can easily be below freezing and will chill off your lower end (on the boat too) quickly. If you could leave the boat in the water you might get away with it but you can,t predict the temp. My 2 cents