Outboard Motor...Leave it in or out?

[phsbulldog]

I finnally got some water around my dock, and the boat is floating! I have been pulling it on shore, but now I will tie it up to the dock. I'm in South Carolina, and don't have to worry about freezing just yet. My question: Which is better for the motor, Leaving it in the down position with the prop in the water, or raising it up and out of the water. I have been using the boat 2-3 time a week, and plan to continue through the winter. Any advice? Pros and Cons?

 

[Jim]

:WELCOME:

Thanks for joining!

Good question, curious myself now.

 

[Zum]

Welcome to the site.
Around here they leave them in the water.I suppose the water acts like an insulator,won't freeze as quick as air.

 

[crazymanme2]

I'm up here in Michigan & I see em left in the water even after a freeze.As stated the water acts as an insulator.

 

[CarlF]

In freshwater, shouldnt hurt to leave it down unless you have zebra mussels, then make sure to put it up.

 

[KMixson]

Leaving it down in the water lets water from to upper parts drain down. If you raise it, water can collect in the foot and freeze if it gets cold enough causing it to crack. I would leave it down, myself.

 

[phsbulldog]

Thanks for the comments guys. I will leave it in the down position.

 

[captclay]

You have to be careful leaving it in the down position. Not because of freezing but if there is any boat traffic the waves will lift the back up and when it comes down the motor can hit the bottom and knock the motor off and into the water. I found this out the hard way about 20 years ago.

 

[Zum]

You have to be careful leaving it in the down position. Not because of freezing but if there is any boat traffic the waves will lift the back up and when it comes down the motor can hit the bottom and knock the motor off and into the water. I found this out the hard way about 20 years ago.

Thats crazy sorry to hear that,must have been some wave:/