leaving motor out of water all Winter

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gramps · #1 Post by **gramps** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:19 am

Well the Merc guy said it was ok to leave my motor out of the water all Winter as long as I used the motor latch. I tried the latch yesterday and it's easy to get to and easy to use.
I usually start my engine every two weeks and let it run for at least 5 minutes.
I never left my other outboards out of the water before, but I think i'll do it this year on our new engine to keep all the crud off of it.

I think the toons will clean up easier next year as they are SharkHided, at least I hope so.

GregF · #2 Post by **GregF** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:25 am

How will you get the water out of the foot tilted up? If it pools in there and freezes you got trouble right here in river city.

Maybe pour some RV antifreeze in the prop hub and wrap it in a bag?

Dunno, water doesn't freezer here.

kimbercarry · #3 Post by **kimbercarry** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 10:42 am

My Yamaha has been left out of the water in a slip for 5 years with no problems. The extreme bottom of the lower unit is filled with gear lube and the water intake is above that and it appears to all drain back out the water intakes.

Just Laxin · #4 Post by **Just Laxin** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 11:11 am

Before we moved to AZ. and lived in Colo. at 10,000 ft. elevation and stored the boat outside. I would make sure all the water drained by leaving the motor in the vertical position and change all oils. I would then wrap the lower unit with a heavey duty black garbage bag and duct tape it on there. Did that for over 20 years and never had a problem.

gramps · #5 Post by **gramps** » Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:22 pm

It stays fairly warm in Georgia, I don't think I will have any problems.

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