Winter Time Boating

[Ozark88]

I am fairly new at this boat ownership thing. I took it our 4 to 5 times this summer and then had the mechanic winterize it. I'm ready to get after it this spring and hopefully next year do some winter time fishing. For someone who is relatively inexperienced at this, I need to know what needs to be done to the boat when using it in the winter time. The boat will be stored outside. I know you aren't supposed to use your livewell in the winter time and make sure you have them plugged. Sounds like alot of you are doing very well this winter with the crappie fishing. Any and all advice is appreciate. Thanks.

[Ronald Meeder]

OK, heres my two cents worth, use the boat just like you do in the summer. Remember to drain all water after leaving the lake, including the engine, run all the pumps, pull all the drain plugs.

[kingfish387]

All I do is make sure all the water is drained before tilting up my motor and leaving the ramp.Make sure your livewells are drained and pull your boat plug to drain it also.You don't want water still in your lower unit to freeze on the trip home.Cover your prop so snow and ice don't buildup and freeze while sitting outside.Just beware of any ice that may melt during the day and refreeze that night.

[wheels70]

This is good info. I have never left my boat un-winterized. I am from northwest Kansas and we didnt get to fish much during the winter so we always winterized our boats around Halloween or shortly after. I was always taught that everything needed to be winterized and must stay that way all winter long. I may have to change my ways!

I would love to go fishing in the winter as long as the weather permits so I may be pulling my boat around and starting it tomorrow so I can go fishing!

[Ozark88]

Thanks to all of you who replied.

[gabowman]

Another thing to think of is if your motor is very old is water seeping in around the seal? That water could freeze and bust your foot if that is the case. Periodic changing of that oil will tell you if youre getting any water by the seal. Always leave your motor DOWN after the return trip home so youre sure the foot isnt holding water inside the prop area.