Boating in the Cold: How to Safely Use Your Outboard in the Winter

Just because the leaves are gone doesn't mean the boat has to stay on the trailer. Plenty of boaters head out through the fall and into winter for fishing, waterfowl season, or just a quiet run on an empty lake.

But cold weather changes how your outboard behaves, and it raises the stakes if something goes wrong, so a little extra prep goes a long way. Here's what to check before you launch and what to keep in mind once you're out on cold water.

Before You Launch

Check Your Fuel

Cold temperatures make fuel-related problems worse. Ethanol-blended fuel is more prone to phase separation in cold weather, which can leave water and ethanol pooling at the bottom of your tank. Run fresh fuel, use a stabilizer if the boat's been sitting, and consider ethanol-free fuel if it's available in your area.

Warm Up the Motor

A cold motor needs a longer warm-up than it does in summer. Idle it in neutral for a few extra minutes before you put it under load, and check for steady water flow from the tell-tale before you leave the dock. Cold oil and cold seals both need a minute to do their job.

Watch for Ice and Slush

Ramps, docks, and shallow coves can carry a skim of ice even when the main body of water is clear. Slow down and look ahead before you commit to a channel, and give yourself extra stopping distance. Ice against your hull or lower unit can cause real damage, and it's easier to avoid than to fix.

Once You're on the Water

Dress for the Water, Not the Air

Cold water immersion is dangerous even in a short fall overboard, and air temperature doesn't tell the whole story. A few things worth building into your routine:

• Wear a properly fitted life jacket the whole time you're underway, not just when conditions look rough.
• Layer with moisture-wicking materials under a windproof outer layer and consider a dry suit or float coat in very cold conditions.
• Keep a change of clothes and a way to warm up in a dry bag on board.
• Let someone on shore know where you're headed and when you expect to be back.

Give Your Motor a Break between Runs

If you're running in and out of the water over a cold weekend, flush your motor with fresh water after every trip and let it drain fully before the next cold snap. A motor that holds water in the block or lower unit overnight in freezing temperatures is a motor that's at risk of cracking. If you already have a winterization routine down for the off-season, this is the same idea, just applied trip by trip.

Know When to Stay In

Cold weather boating is manageable with the right prep, but it's not worth pushing through deteriorating conditions. High wind on cold water, ice forming faster than expected, or a motor that isn't warming up the way it should are all good reasons to call it a day. There's always next weekend.

Keep Your Motor Ready for Winter Runs

A little extra attention before and after each cold-weather trip keeps your outboard running the way it should all season. If you need fuel connectors, a fresh set of spark plugs, or any other part before your next cold-water outing, we carry the accessories that fit your setup.