how cold does it have to get to worry about my engine in my vlx i want to store it out side

how much would it cost to replace your engine block? <BR> <BR>a few hours at or below freezing would concern me. <BR> <BR>anyone brave enough to use an engine heater?

i looked at the engine compartment heaters from west marine and other places put they are about $400. I purchased a small space heater with a thermostat on it and place it in my v-drove compartment with it barely cracked opened. it was about $30 and helps to extend my season

it would need to freeze hard for a period of more than 24 hours. If it hits 32, 31 or 30, I wouldn't panic that bad. I would drain it if your concerned. That is your best piece of insurance

I live on Long Island and I just winterize my boat and its fine. If its for a long period of time it would make sense but I don't know how long you're storing it for because winterizing takes some work..

Ask your mechanic how to drain the block. You have hose with a quick connect that you undo and point into bottom to drain. You also have a drain on each side of block that you need to open to let water out. It needs to stay below freezing for 2-3 days before it will be a problem. If you have ballast or heater you need to watch for freeze up also. I have a VLX also.

Shop light.

Napa auto parts sells UL rated magnetic block heaters. If I remember right they are $40. <BR> <BR>I use my boat all winter. After pulling it out I drain the block and heater (takes minutes). I then put the heater on the side of motor. When I check it, you feel the air under the engine cover is warm. The engine is slightly warm too. <BR> <BR>In addition to the block heater, I leave a "Golden Rod" heater in my rear ski locker (the shower is back there) and a dehumidifier in the boat. When I take the cover off, the air is slightly warm and dry. <BR> <BR>I use the block heater instead of lights, so I don't have to worry a bulb going out.

Anything below 32F would make me nervous. Take a look at: <a href="http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/min32temp.html" target="_blank">http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/min32temp.html</a> and find your city. Any column (month) that has a "0" and you are OK. Other than those months, I would always have it drained. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to drain an engine to prevent a freeze, just a little longer than to cover your boat and you wouldnt leave it outside uncovered would you?

grant ive found that in florida with the humidity the way it is its better to just park it under one of those portable canopys then a cover, rains, moisture in boat, cover traps it in = mold, my buddy was cleaning his seats every couple of weeks till i told him about the canopy and now he just cleans the occasional leaves out of it