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I want to try fishing all winter. Never done that before. My boats sit outside all year so I am used to draining the lower unit in case there is water in there. Fill again in the spring. For you cold winter guys who continue to fish... how do you deal with this situation? Don't suggest putting up a garage because the city won't let me :banghead :mad:
As long as I am not getting water in the lower unit I leave the oil. I usually fish all winter. As I come out of the water and start to make the boat ready for the trip home. I tilt the motor all the way down and let the water run out of it. Things I have experienced while fishing in the winter. Cold enough for the boat ramp to ice over. If you are the first guy in it isn't a problem. As you pull the trailer out the water can freeze on the ramp. Pretty scary feeling as your truck slides down the ramp slowly. It did stop when it got past the ice and the back tires got to the water. After that experience I keep ice melter in the truck for such occasions. So cold out the motor would not pee. Apparently the water hit the cold metal inside the motor and froze on contact. I believe it was 12 degrees that day.
Never leave it empty, may lead to corrosion. Oil won't freeze.
What about the the live well(s), pumps and tubing? Any danger there of freezing the pump and breaking? I usually try to vacuum out these but is it necessary?
I have not and haven't had any problems. I drain everything at the launch
If there is a low spot in your plumbing that holds water, then it will freeze and could damage a pump or split a line. You can blow out or vacuum the lines, some circulate RV antifreeze through the system.
When it’s freezing out/cold pavement, pull the trailer out S-L-O-W-L-Y! Let it drip at waters edge, then pull up to a spot and park or tie down.
This the exception to “loitering “ on the ramp. Those after you, maybe even you later, will thank you.
As others said, carry ice melt or sand, leave fluid in lower, tilt engine down too drain water before leaving and when you get home.
One note for the drain plug, a day or two before the trip, check it, make sure you can thread it in, insert it. I’ve had issues of snow melting then re-freezing, plugging the hole, or filling in the threads.
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Up here in Iowa I fish till ice over on the river in December and start fishing again in February. I check the lower unit for water in the oil/milky oil. I plug the livewell lines and pull the pumps before freezing temps kick in. I have froze up a pump and split the pump housing before. Usually I put the Ranger away and fish with a friend who has a jon boat with no plumbing. Bilge pump is a milk jug. Cold water fish is awesome, just dress for it and enjoy. No skeeters