Question of the Month

This months question comes from Gina Benz of De Pere. She asks what damage can occur from "freezing" if a boat isn't winterized.

There's really 2 answers because we have both inboard and outboard engines.

On outboards, if the engine is allowed to be vertical, the water will automatically drain out of the engine preventing engine damage. The lower unit is another issue. If water enters the lower gear case, because of leaky seals or fish line damage, the water in the gear case can freeze, expand, and crack the gear case housing. This would require very expensive repairs. Other issues could be in the boat itself. For instance, the livewells and livewell hoses must be drained. Also many newer fishing boats have washdown pumps that must be winterized.

Inboards and sterndrives are another story. Water will stay in the engine block and manifolds. Freezing will cause extensive damage if not winterized. If there are other systems in the boat, like toilets, freshwater tanks, etc., they must also be drained and winterized. Please call our service dept. if you have any questions.

Contact- If you'd like to contribute a story to the Mr. Outboard's Fishing Newsletter, please use the following contact information:
Mr. Outboards Newsletter
1785 Mid Valley Drive
DePere, WI 54115 		jan@mroutboards.com (920) 337-9717
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