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Name:	Samdog -	Reply
Subject:	I/O motor in the water in winter
Date:	3/13/2012 10:53:21 AM

I like to use my boat with outboard motor all year around. Is there a way to keep a I/O powered boat in the water all year? How do you keep the motor from getting winter freeze damage? Is it possible?

Name:	HP HQ -	Reply
Subject:	I/O motor in the water in winter
Date:	3/13/2012 12:19:11 PM

There are several companies that make engine room heaters. My only issue with these are you are at the mercy of the power. If the power goes out, you are back at risk. As well heat from the water radiates to the boat, so the actual water temp would have to be very low as well. If you want to be certain, you still have to drain everything as this is the only guaranteed method!

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	I/O motor in the water in winter
Date:	3/13/2012 12:37:32 PM

Or, buy a boat with a closed cooling system, which will allow you to pressurize the raw water system and "quick drain" the exhaust manifolds.

Name:	houseboat -	Reply
Subject:	I/O motor in the water in winter
Date:	3/13/2012 1:23:12 PM

I think the design of the boat will have a lot to do with how well it will tolerate cold temperatures. If you have a platform above the engine and instead of just a motor cover it will do pretty well. The more water-to-boat surface area you have will help also as long as the bilge is mostly sealed from the air with exception of the vents. I keep my houseboat in year-round and I did not have to drain the engine this year because the freezing temp was very short term.

Name:	Samdog -	Reply
Subject:	I/O motor in the water in winter
Date:	3/13/2012 1:55:31 PM

Thanks. I'm trying to decide if a pontoon boat with and I/O is practical for me.

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