Cold weather use and winterizing?

[smallieobsession]

Hi all, Newbie question alert! Coming to the close of my first season as a boat owner. Nothing too fancy - 14footer w/25hp. I've learned a lot about owning and operating a boat but need some insight into the end of season routine.

Fisrt question: This weekend I'm headed up near Ely and plan to fish 4 days. Boat will stay in the water all four nights. Looks like it may get down to 32 or below at least one night. Any concerns with my motor on this that I should be aware of?

Second question - Winterizing - what does this consist of? Boat and motor will be stored in un-heated shed.

Thanks for the help!

[Valv]

It will be no problem with boat in water, since water temp will be higher than air.

Check the Equipment Forum there's a "sticky" about winterizing motors.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=1007045&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[mpester]

If it gets below 32 at night, I would leave the motor tilted down so the water in the lower unit does not freeze.