TOPIC:

My 04 90hp 2-stroke Mercury sits covered outside all day everyday. I want to take it out but concerned about temps/conditions in winter. I have no problem doing Nov and early Dec Cal River fishing but once the cold sets in I try to focus on ice fishing (ha ha with IN weather) and keep the boat on land. My main concern is lower unit freezing and cracking. I always change lower unit oil mid Nov in prep for winter. Don't appear to have any seal issues so if I take it out a few times chasing perch after that not a big deal (never had a problem).

My problem/concern is the nighttime lows this time of year. For me to even consider going out I'd need low-ish winds, daytime temps above freezing, and nighttime lows that don't get below freezing. Just isn't a ton of those days that fall on a weekend when I am available during winter.

Who is in a similar situation, who has had no problems ever if they pay attention and drain all water as recommended? Any tips tricks for using outboards in cold temps besides making sure lower unit is completely drained? 

Thanks!

I used to fish the St. Joe River , in the winter . One thing I learned was , DON'T turn your motor over untill it is / has been in the water for a lil bit . NO MATTER how well you try to drain your lower unit , there may be frozen water at your water pump . If it sits in the water for a bit , Fresh water will get there and thaw what little ice there may be , The water pump impellers are easy to rip / hurt / destroy , with ice ,,,  A few more minutes my save a LOST TRIP ,,, 

GOOD LUCK and SAFE TRIPS ,,, Walldady