In water winter storage with an outboard

[Larry H]

In the Pacific Northwest the salt water is almost always above 40 degrees F. During freezing weather putting the motor down will keep it warmer than having the motor tilted up. Tilted down also avoids the possibility of water freezing in the exhaust passages of the lower unit.

 

[baz]

Larry: I'm now thinking I will have my motor lowered after flushing it with fresh water. This will also allow me to fit more easily in my 30-foot covered slip. 😱 🙂

 

[jagizzi]

So this is my thinking as well. As I related in an earlier post, the lower unit collects rainwater. A subsequent freeze and there would be significant damage.

It is not necessary for rain to blow into the unit as it runs down and into the motor.

Jim

 

[kf91]

A slight clarification to my previous post. My recollection of the discussion with the Yamaha rep was that not all water would drain from the engine when in the up position, which would be more concerning than the prop/exhaust. I can't imagine this is a concern unless we get that rare (for WA) weather window where the temperature doesn't go above freezing during the day.

 

[baz]

A slight clarification to my previous post. My recollection of the discussion with the Yamaha rep was that not all water would drain from the engine when in the up position, which would be more concerning than the prop/exhaust. I can't imagine this is a concern unless we get that rare (for WA) weather window where the temperature doesn't go above freezing during the day.

My take on this aspect of some water remaining in the engine after a fresh water flush with engine raised is that, yes there's some small amount remaining BUT, there will be no water around the head-unit which is where freezing water can do harm when it melts. The residual water remaining elsewhere is of no consequence with regards to temperature being at 32ºF or lower. This was what my local Yamaha shop told me and they've been around since 1951.

 

[ixlr8]

A slight clarification to my previous post. My recollection of the discussion with the Yamaha rep was that not all water would drain from the engine when in the up position, which would be more concerning than the prop/exhaust. I can't imagine this is a concern unless we get that rare (for WA) weather window where the temperature doesn't go above freezing during the day.

My take on this aspect of some water remaining in the engine after a fresh water flush with engine raised is that, yes there's some small amount remaining BUT, there will be no water around the head-unit which is where freezing water can do harm when it melts. The residual water remaining elsewhere is of no consequence with regards to temperature being at 32ºF or lower. This was what my local Yamaha shop told me and they've been around since 1951.

My local Yamaha shop, which has been there for as long as I can remember, flushes the engine with fresh water to clean out the salt water, then a quick flush with antifreeze. They don't want any water left in the engine at all. With temps going below 0dF here every winter, they are going to take no chances of water freezing in the engine. Then again, no boat spends the winter in the water here.

 

[baz]

Yes, flushing with antifreeze with boat in the water would be an environmental hazard in my Marina. I'm all for doing what's necessary to protect the outboard from any winter conditions.... I may just get myself bone fide Yamaha covers for my F300 and the 9.9 Kicker motor for some added protection. 😱