overnight in below freezing temps

[gmtech]

hello
this question concerns leaving a outboard motor in "fresh water" down if camping overnight or raising out of water so wate rin lower unit drains. in below freezing temps say low of 10-20 degrees f.

better to leave down or raise up?

this is on a 75hp etec 2013

thanks zach

[goatram]

Leave it down in the water. if it is going to freeze and you leave it in the water dont leave it too long where ya can't remove the boat till the water surrounding the boat thaws

If it is on the Trailer leave it down. The water will drain out of the motor by the lower leg. If it is removed from the water and raised it Will trap water and freeze.

[kmorin]

gmtech, goatram,

I've heard that a quart of potable RV antifreeze poured into a plastic bag pulled up around the prop and leg will keep the water from freezing in that area. The bag keeps the glycol close and not so diluted it won't work.

OF course, now I'd never actually pour something like that in a lake but its what I've heard. Its not something I'd do personally because its possible someone could see that as a "fugitive emission" or "uncontrolled discharge" of a toxic... and so I'm just mentioning a rumor I'd heard about guys who have cold fresh water that might harden up in their outboards.

just sayin.....

Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK