When is it safe for a trailer I/O - The Hull Truth

CarlAndFamily · 03-29-2009, 06:46 PM

Good evening,

I have been looking at purchasing a boat and I can't decide between the I/O and Outboard. When is it safe for a trailer I/O to be used? For instance Weather.com says the average lows for April are about 39 degrees, but the record lows are all in the 20's.

So my question is when is it safe to use a trailer I/O without fear of the engine freezing?

By the way I am near Newark, Delaware.

Thanks,
Carl

thubert57 · 03-29-2009, 07:19 PM

Welcome to THT Carl,

I don't fully understand the question; You can "use" it anytime, I use my I/O all winter long, the trick is to winterize it after use if you expect a hard freeze. Winterizing an I/O is not that hard to do in your own driveway.

CarlAndFamily · 03-30-2009, 06:53 PM

Thanks for the answer. How long does it take you to winterize the boat?

FishingKdr · 03-31-2009, 01:44 PM

I use mine all winter long also. I don't winterize after each use, but mine is fresh water cooled. I do keep a couple light bulbs in the bilge and a magnetic heater stuck to the block to take care of any water left in the heater exchanger or mainfolds/risers. I haven't ever had any problem.

thubert57 · 03-31-2009, 07:32 PM

C & F,

If the engine is cold it will take about 20 minutes, if you run some antifreeze (marine / RV grade only) while the block is still warm it should only take 10 or so.

Like FishingKdr says if you keep the boat in the driveway or nearby like that and have access to 120v power a lightbulb under the engine in the bilge works fine. Just check the light before a predicted hard freeze.

luggyb · 04-01-2009, 10:59 AM

Most outboards drain seawater out of the engine and most of the lower unit when boat is out of water and unit is lowered and is safe overnight even in moderate freezing weather but a quick shot of antifreeze through the ear muffs or newer outboards often have a hose fitting installed for this purpose.
I/O lower units are similar to outboards and drain pretty well also but the engine does not so again a shot of antifreeze is best. If a glass of water will freeze solid tonight then you may do damage to a water pump or manifold but normally it takes a couple days of hard freeze to do any major damage.
Both types are fine to use in freezing weather during the winter although you should allow sufficient warm up time before running them hard. Just protect them when on the hard after use.