Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

I know there have been a couple of conversations here about this, but I will be specific to keep from duplicating.

Paid for slip on annual contract @ $160 a month so really don't want to spend additional money for storage. Besides, we often have 50 -60 degree days (Nashville) even in December and I may want to use the Bass Buggy for a little fishing. My plan is to leave it in the water all winter.

The boat dealer I bought my pontoon from says I don't need to worry about winterization at all. He said just keep fuel stabilizer in it and suggested trimming the engine into the water since the water temp will be above freezing even when the air temp isn't. He says there is nothing to worry about freezing on my outboard 2 stroke Bigfoot 60hp motor.

I love his thoughts, but I am still apprehensive since I keep hearing about lower units freezing. Thoughts??

If you keep the motor in the water it will drain and it won't freeze.

Unless you get a big freeze and the water freezes in the slip you should be alright.
My toon is on a lift and here in Missouri we get some real cold winters. I put SeaFoam in the gas tank, run it for a good 20 minutes to be sure its mixed with the fuel and in the motor. I had the lower unit lube replaced when I had my oil changed last month. I make sure the motor is vertical so any water drains completely. I disconnect the battery and hook it up to a trickle charger. Then I put charcoal into plastic tubs and put one in the boat and another in the center log that is also used for ski storage.
I also have a dock de-icer to keep ice from forming in the slips and around the dock. Didn't need it last winter, but I'm not sure that will be the case this year.

+3 with the above messages. You might want to start it every week or two and bring the engine up to temperature--if just to turnover the gas in the fuel lines.

And, don't let Rockfish Fever get you. There have been quite a few 40+ pounders caught out of Percy Priest. My father got the obsession after he retired, and was out on Percy Priest every morning before daybreak. The tackle used looks like it's for saltwater fishing.

I had my boat on Old Stickory for 3 years and never an issue.

Budman wrote:I had my boat on Old Stickory for 3 years and never an issue.

Hey Budman! Glad to see another Nashville area tooner on the forums. I have felt all alone lately.

Glad to hear that. I test crusied my boat on Old Hickory. Seems to be a nice lake. Thanks for the positive reply on leaving it in the water all winter. The whole marina area froze a few years ago. Not sure what do if that happens.

Old Hickory is ok. Been on it for four total years. This year, the lake got so hot that the algea and smell was real bad. We moved our boat to Center Hill for July and August. Got tired of leaving the water and smelling like a fish. Also, be careful as the channel on OH is 70ft but outside drops quick and there are a ton of stumps.