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Name:	JustAGuy -	Reply
Subject:	BoatDoctor
Date:	9/2/2004 6:11:10 PM

The last few years we've had a pontoon boat with outboard motor. We use the boat even in winter and had no problems.

This year we traded and bought a Chaparral with inboard/outboard.

My question - can we leave the boat in the water and use it in the winter without any risk of freezing/breaking something?

Any advice along this line would be appreciated.

Thanks

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	BoatDoctor
Date:	9/2/2004 6:33:01 PM

I wouldn't. Be sure to run a coathanger wire up the petcocks after opening - I lost a manifold that way - you'll only do it one time ($$$)

Name:	JustAGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Thanks for the advice, but ...
Date:	9/2/2004 6:33:58 PM

...... what's a petcock?

Name:	roswellric -	Reply
Subject:	Thanks for the advice, but ...
Date:	9/2/2004 6:40:12 PM

If you are not going to get someone to do it for you I would buy a service manual for the outdrive package. The petcocks are the valves that allow you to drain the manifolds and the cylinder block on the motor. You need to know where these are!

Your motor and manifolds CAN FREEZE and crack the block, manifolds and water pump etc. You need to know how to properly winterize your motor....if you don't get someone to do it for you....The manual will show you where all this stuff is but I would get someone that knows to show you the first time.

Name:	AnchorbayDon -	Reply
Subject:	BoatDoctor
Date:	9/3/2004 8:31:53 AM

If your engine is a new Mercruiser, most now have a system to drain your block simply by pulling a lever. Check your owner's manual or call the dealership where you bought it.

Name:	JustAGuy -	Reply
Subject:	Thanks for the advice, but ...
Date:	9/3/2004 1:28:30 PM

I think you have answered my question ....

We need to have our boat winterized and put up in storage.

Thanks for the assistance.

Name:	4thelake -	Reply
Subject:	BoatDoctor
Date:	9/7/2004 7:42:27 PM

Absolutly do not leave it in over the winter without winterizing it. The only motor that you can do this with is an outboard and even then there is some risk. I dont know much about the new 4 stroke motors.

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