Operating In Cold Water

[INXS]

Will running my Mate late in season the be harder on the motor? I was thinking that if the water temp. was in the upper 40s to low 50s that a shot at WOT may be harder on the motor?

Thanks,

INXS

INXS/88 Starflite/225 Johnson

[INXS]

Will running my Mate late in season the be harder on the motor? I was thinking that if the water temp. was in the upper 40s to low 50s that a shot at WOT may be harder on the motor?

Thanks,

INXS

INXS/88 Starflite/225 Johnson

[vinny p.]

I would not be too concerned as long as the temp. guage is reading at least 140* before getting on it. An oil temp. guage would be nice as well. If you don't see the temps. come up, I would not be too hard on the motor.

[jkeiper]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif Let it idle for a little bit then start driving it slowly raising the rpm a little at a time once it stabilizes you can drive it like normal. I run my outboards in cold water all the time in early spring and late fall. If you have a temp gauge all the better.

Regards,

Jim

Hot babes and cool boats.

[Chris E]

Hi INXS:

New member here but unfortunatly i have too much experiance in cold weather boating (I work at a marina in muskoka - and hate boating in snowstorms!). The engine should be OK just let it warm up - keep in mind that if the water is really cold, the engine will not get to operating temperature. I don't know if you trailer or not, but if the boat is in the water leave the motor tilted down - it is self draining and if the water pump impeller is under water it won't freeze. Same for trailering - make sure the engine is tilted down so the water will drain out. Don't try to push the season too long - if that impeller freezes it will destroy itself and you will have trouble. Another note - check your boat insurance - in Ontario most policies expire Oct 31 - the end of navigation season. Happy boating - Chris E

[INXS]

Thanks Everyone,

Pretty much what I was thinking, I'll just take it easy as I do not have a temp. gauge. I also run a little anti-freeze threw the water pump when I take it home just to clear any water out of the impeller.

INXS

INXS/88 Starflite/225 Johnson