Any tips for keeping a boat in the water all winter?

[kydonky]

Some think that the water will keep the unit from freezing if it is kept in the water. However, If it gets cold enough to freeze the water in the lake or river you can be in trouble. A lot of house boats leave the lower unit in the water all winter. They may use a block heater I don't know. I used to have an inboard that I would use into the winter. I used a block heater and a 100 watt light bulb to protect from freezing. Still I would fully winterize it after December (draining block, lower unit, powersterering cooler etc.). Best is to keep it out of the water and drain it well after each use. If its an inboard keep it in a heated garage. I use my outboard all year. When I take it out of the water in cold weather I lower the unit all the way down so that it drains COMPLETELY. After it drains I raise the motor for the trip home. I keep it in a Morton Barn (unheated).

[Shimano4Life]

If I were going to go the route you're going, at least put some fuel stabilizer in your fuel. Let it settle in, then run it for a little bit so the fuel that is left over in your fuel system (filter, carb bowls, carb high speed jets) has been stabilized -- this will prevent gumming and damage. Your fishing trips in colder weather are much fewer and far between than in warm weather. At least you won't have to worry about a fuel-related issue.