Yamaha Outboard Winterization?

[Sunart]

I’m sure this will spark a lot of discussion but I just have one question! I live in the PNW where water temps are typically above 40F in the winter. The boat will be in the water all winter.

The question is about cooling water. (The rest of the Yamaha process will be followed)

I flush the motor with fresh water after every use. I have read the Yamaha instructions about draining the cooling water and it involves tilting the motor up and then fully down to drain the water. Apparently, water is retained inside the engine cooling passages if the engine is left tilted up and could freeze.

I have heard two approaches to winterization:

1) Flush with fresh water and then run the engine in the trimmed up position for a minute to expel the water!
2) Don’t flush. Leave the engine down so that it’s in salt water that shouldn’t freeze!

Neither approach seems ideal. I’m also considering using and air compressor to blow out the fresh water like you do with RVs.

Thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[fidalgoisland]

I live in Anacotes WA and keep my boat in the water year round. I keep the motor raised unless it is going to get below 32 degrees. I then lower it completely until the low temps rise back above 32 degrees. This usually only occurs a few times each winter. I don't live that far from the marina so it is a convenient solution for me.

 

[Sunart]

That sounds like a plan but I’m away from the boat for a couple of months. After writing the post I convinced myself that option 3 - blowing out the water - is the way to go.

 

[Jcat2010]

Flush with fresh, leave it down. The scum you will get, and any minor corrosion, will be far better than tying to "blow out" the water. It will wear your pump impeller, and it won't get all the water out. Besides, one good rain, and a nice freeze, and you'll damage the nosecone or bearings. Just a lot of year dealing with boats in the water over winter.