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PUT THE BOAT IN OR NOT

C

carlnap

Contributing Member
I'd like to put my boat in

I'd like to put my boat in on friday to start flounder fishing. The weather is forcasting snow for saterday night(possibility). The water temp is about 44 degrees in my canal. Do you think anything in the engine will freeze if we get two nights just at the freezing mark???
 
"Everything I have heard, says

"Everything I have heard, says that a boat needs to be in >20 degree weather for an extended period of time to crack the block.

But like Bondo said.. No Guarantees.."
 
"Drain the block and manifolds

"Drain the block and manifolds, it does not take too long and is worth it in the long run. If not, I heard from an old marine mechanic if you cover the motor with insulation and plastic, the heat from the water will keep the block from cracking, never tried it before though."
 
If you can get an extension co

If you can get an extension cord to the boat stick a 100 watt trouble light in the engine compartment down low. That little bit of heat should keep the frost off with the compartment closed up.
Rod
 
"If you go that route, there a

"If you go that route, there are several brands of explosion proof drop lights and you want to use an incadescent lamp for the heat. Just look for the MSA seal on it.
This is good gouge, but if the water temp is already in the mid 40's and you're only looking at dipping below freezing for short periods overnight, the chances of seeing freezing temperatures inside the engine comparment are extremely small. Without the sun hitting it, you can pretty much count on the bildges and closed compartments being the same temperature as the water.... it takes more than a just few cold nights to drop the water temperature, especially if it's fairly warm during the day."
 
"Carl, The water temp should

"Carl, The water temp should not change very much overnight, and that should keep your motor warm. I put a standard 40 watt heating pad under my oil pan for those cold striper days in Nov and Dec. I always thought if I kept the oil warm, the block would follow suit. I also thought it was better to start the motor with warm oil.

BTW, if you are fishing Barnegat Bay in NJ, I hear the flounder are on their way out. Better hurry."
 
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