I/O first start up

[bigturk_80]

So, when do most of you guys start up your inboard motors for the first run of the year??  I'm anxious to get tuning it for the season, but don't want to risk a freeze up.

[Gill-T]

I run non-toxic antifreeze thru engine after each usage the first couple of trips fishing in early season for peace-of-mind.  It is a three-thousand dollar mistake if you don't spend the $15.00 on antifreeze.  Since I run a trolling motor, my gas cost is only around $15.00 so the added cost and time of re-winterizing is a small price to pay.

[antney1]

I have a Trophy with an I/O and last year I put her in on 3/17. There were days when I went fishing and had frost on the windshield. I was told as long as the water temp was 40 or above that that would help keep the water from freezing and my boat has a doghouse that insulates the motor as well, didn't have a problem last year

[Chas0218]

Ya but I was also out fishing on 3/17 and was in a Tee shirt for the 2nd half of the day.  That isn't the case this year.  Where I live we are still dipping into the teens so its your call.  I would another week or 2.