Details & Useful Tips on Avoiding Boat Motor Freezing During Cold Weather

We have experienced quite freezing temperatures in recent times. Many boaters have already winterized their vessels in indoor heated storage facilities. A pressing question that comes to people’s minds is whether my boat engine will freeze at this temperature.

We have gathered some handy information about this topic and narrated it here briefly.

Let’s have a look.

Brands like Mercury Marine build sturdy outboard motors for sale that can operate at a temperature as low as -15C/+5F even. But experts recommend ensuring that your vessel and engine are good enough to withstand harsh winter conditions.

The two most common considerations are:

1. Checking and following the owner’s manual to see guidelines for operating in cold weather
2. Avoiding the “duck hunter’s freeze-up” problem in the outboard

What is Duck Hunter’s Freeze-Up Problem?

Many hunters have a habit of tilting up the outboard in the winter season. They think it will keep the motor out of the marsh muck or help bring the boat ashore quickly. However, when the hunters tilt up the outboards, this process traps the water in the motor body. It freezes if the outside temperature goes low. And you might already know that the frozen water in the engine can cause severe damage, which can be defined as “Duck Hunter’s Freeze-Up.”

How to Keep My Boat Engine from Freezing?

Some owners do not use boat winterization services and store their vessels in the backyard or other open places during the off-season. Inappropriate winterization or storing of the outboard poses severe problems, like cracking and freezing. It can make even the best engines in BC useless.

Here are a few tips that can help you keep your motor from freezing.

1. Remove Extra Water

Marine specialists in BC suggest turning off the kill switch before you store the engine and then turning on the motor using the key. It will help throw out any water left inside the machine.
When you return from fishing or boating, remember to pull the hull drain plug in the vessel and tilt the bow upward. This process will drain all the water from the bilge.

2. Use Anti-Freeze

Another good idea to keep the engine from freezing is an anti-freeze explicitly made for marine products. The ready-to-use Mercury Mercruiser Quicksilver OEM Part # 92-877770K 1 Anti-Freeze can be a good option. This coolant will not cause gelling and offers anti-freeze protection to -36C/-34F for Mercury Marine engines for sale in British Columbia.

You do not have to worry much if you have correctly winterized your vessel and a heated boat storage facility.

Why Should You Winterize Your Boat?

If you live in an area where air temperature can go below freezing, you must know some handy boat heating options. Experts strongly suggest winterizing & storing your boat at the right place. Many dealers who provide the options of fishing boats for sale in BC also offer storage services during the off-season. You can talk with your dealership staff and ask about their heated facilities and whether they suit your requirement.

Alberni Power & Marine in Port Alberni offers one of the most convenient and secure boat winter storages on Vancouver Island. Our facilities have more than 30,000 square feet of space with heated floors, dehumidifiers, alarm systems, climate control, and many other amenities. Ask our boating experts for the best quote on storing and winterizing your vessels.

Conclusion

Follow the instructions in the user manual to keep your fishing boat and engine in good condition for extended periods. Think about boat repowering and winterization services as an essential part of your preparation for the upcoming boating season.

Also, remember to dress appropriately in the cold weather. Wear a lifejacket every time you go on the water and use the correct gear and clothing during the chilling weather.

Connect with us at Alberni Power & Marine for any specific boating requirements. Our team is always ready and happy to assist. Let’s Talk.