Bad weather this weekend...

[87SunSportMikeyD]

MN is all sun and fun! 60s for week and a half, snow is gone, grass is greening up, the boat launch and shorelines are ice-free!!!! This is unheard of here, our average now is 36!!!!! This is whacko but I love it! My boat is all snow-free and dried out now. Almost time to get the cover off, and check her over for piece of mind. Then - engine work!

[Okie Boarder]

Scott,

You take a chance if it freezes, even for just one night. The risk is minimal, but there is still risk. However, if it looks like you might get a couple freezing nights over a period of several weeks, you could take measures to keep the block warm enough not to worry. There are several different things you can do that work very well.

You store the boat outside, right?

[scotthons]

The boat is stored in a fairly ghetto storage unit. It is all enclosed, but basically it is a tin warehouse with dirt flooring and each unit is separated with chain link fencing. They each have their own doors. There are no electric outputs though.

[Okie Boarder]

I'd be interested to see how cold it gets in there. It has to be a bit warmer than outside. Then, inside your engine compartment would be even warmer than that. It may be feasible just to wrap the motor in a thick blanket. I dunno. If it was me, though, I wouldn't chance it.

[tg0824SSVGG]

at the risk of $6-8k for a new motor, when I bring my boat to the lake before
the end of hte freeze season (or after the start) - I drain the block and the heater
core (and shower) EVERY time. I have gotten good at it, takes about 10 minutes now.

For me - cheap insurance, and sure beats not being able to use the boat until
Mid-May and not after 3rd week in September.

I start using boat in early April and stop in mid November - I don't want to chance
a frozen block.

If you have a heater for the driver and passengers, it doesnt' take much for that to freeze and you're in trouble.