Frozen in the ice-Probs?

[landlockedsailor]

We parked our pontoon in a slip at the local marina and left it there longer than we intended. It's frozen there now with the lower unit in the ice. Do I need to be worried about the engine?

[tkrein]

How thick is the ice, I hope the ice doesn't shift and slice the toons. if the ice is thick it can warp the lower unit and gears remember ice expands. as it thaws it contracts. if the ice isn't 2 thick you might be good stick a tank heater in there it might help out till you can get her out of the ice. I personally wouldn't leave it in there long.

the other question where are you and how are your winters. I know if I let mine freeze in she would be toast by spring but I live in North Dakota.

[Bamaman]

If you're on the Tennessee River, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If you were in Minnesota and the ice was 3' thick, it'd be another matter.

I have seen a little thin ice this week @ 5 degrees in the back of sloughs, but no ice out where the current runs.

[maddad]

I'm conservative, but would be concerned if the ice got more than an inch thick. The toons I'd be worried about slicing, with less concern about your lower unit since there's water on both inside and outside, the pressure from the freeze would somewhat be equalized. Not so with the toons

[MH Hawker]

I went out to look my lake over last week and its froze over and id guess 2 inches worth, glad mine is in the yard but i do slip it.

I believe he is on KY lake in western KY and it normally never freezes , same as mine. This is the first time my lake has froze over in 30 years.

[landlockedsailor]

Well the warmer weather is finally here in KY. I'll run over there tomorrow and take a look. At the engine AND the toons. Thanks!

[fergusmj]

No input but hopefully no issues for you. Good luck.