Winterizing vs. Fishing through the Winter

[mybentrod]

OK....so I keep reading about folks fishing in the WInter and was curious HOW DO THEY DO THAT without ruining their engine?

[hardestyeric]

The main reasons you winterize are to get the water out of your lower unit, get any water in your engine treated by fogging, and to stabilize your fuel so it doesn't go bad. As long as there isn't any water in your lower unit and you run your boat up to temperature about once a month you don't have anything to worry about. I haven't winterized a boat for a number of years because I will use it thru the winter. Just make sure to keep the gas from turning bad and you will be fine.
Eric H.

[mybentrod]

Thanks...that leaves me to finding time to chase those Smallmouth. Thanks for the tips.

[yamahammer]

I have run outboards for 25 years and have never once winterized. Just trim it down after each use and let the water drain completely after each trip.

[EZGO]

OK....so I keep reading about folks fishing in the WInter and was curious HOW DO THEY DO THAT without ruining their engine?

I do all the above as mentioned and if it is really cold out I bring the boat out of the waters edge and let every thing drain, then I pull the boat out of the way lower motor again and crank the engine for a couple of grumbles to get the water out of my pump. If you do that as soon as it cranks and a couple of grumbles I shut down quickly.