Posted: 03 November 2009 at 12:31pm | IP Logged

Just drain the block.  My 5.0L Mercruiser has 5 drain plugs.   You may want to add anti-freeze, but many don't.  You might want to change the oil, but changing the outdrive lube will be quite difficult in the water.

Make sure to drain all water lines to/from your head and/or sinks, too.

Posted: 16 November 2009 at 7:55am | IP Logged

I don't think I'd leave an alpha in the water.  A bravo is not much better, but at least the engine can be properly winterized.  I'd say pull the boat.  If you are not pulling the boat.  Check your insurance policy regarding mandatory haul out provisions.  Mine is from Dec 1 thru April 1 by choice.

Why do you say you "need" to keep your boat in the water this winter?  That boat could easily be put on a trailer and stored for like $400-500

Where is the boat located?  I'm not sure where Ft. Washington is...

Posted: 18 November 2009 at 1:37pm | IP Logged

Pull the boat out of the water, my boat is in the same area and I pull mine every winter, sterndrives and frozen waters are not a good combination and the problem might exist if you run out of power for a few days, the bubbler (ice-eater) will not work.

MOJITO
More than a boat....a way of life

2008 Monterey 330 SY
Twin Volvo Penta, 5.7L EFI, GXi/DP 320HP

Posted: 19 November 2009 at 10:07am | IP Logged

I'm not trying to circumvent your thread here, just knowing that I/O's are not a good winter sotrage type boat your "need" needs to be analyzed.  The word "need" seemed subjective and mostly geared toward determining what types of reasons you need to stay in the water are important.  If you said "I need to stay in the water because my engine is seized and can't afford to move it until next season" would have received a whole different set of responses.

As you have found out, Bravos are totally different and not a fair comparison.  At least the water is stirring in the drive as long as the boat is moving.  An alphas water flow in the top part of the drive is blocked by the water pump and would be subject to freezing bubbler or not. 

I'd say in this region a Bravo is manageable, an alpha is not. 

If I were to keep an alpha in the water for winter I'd suck about 5 gallons of pink juice through it after the T-stat opened.  Using a 5 gallon Camco kit, plus muffs while doing this in water sounds like.....