Lately, I read about leaving water in the motor during winter will cause rust. However, I use my boat at least once a month during Dec. and Jan. so is winterizing for a month necessary in order to prevent rusting?

try putting some anti-freeze in it while it's sitting I heard that will prevent rusting

It is really simple to drain the block. I would do it anyway.

I have a valve I can turn and drain all the water out of mine it just takes a minute

From what I understand leaving the block wet actually inhibits corrosion. Draining the water out allows air inside speeds the corrosion process.

it is not going to rust in a month... <BR> <BR>drain the water for sure. <BR> <BR>don't drain the water and watch it freeze and crack -- your choice... <BR> <BR>winterization is only for peeps that put their boat up for several months at a time.. if you plan to use it once a month, more/less... just drain the water from each side of the block, manifolds/risers and hoses... no way it can crack then....

Thanks! I will add antifreeze if the temperature is going to drop enough to bust the block, but getting that cold here is unusual and I store the boat inside.

Antifreeze blows into the lake if you put it in the block. Draining the block is easy and doesn't pollute.

there is eco friendly antifreeze that you can blow in the lake

Remember to remove the impeller so it doesn't dry rot

I make sure I change the oil before getting into winter, but I don't winterize as I might be able to get out on the water. Come spring she goes in in for a full check up, impeller etc. and no worries about rust, a rotting impeller or such.

Give a hoot don't pollute. Econ anti freeze or not I bet it will take more work to add this than it would to just drain it. Don't be lazy. Think about it how are you going to get the antifreeze all they way through out the motor?

I normally change my impeller at the start of every season and hook the water hose up in order to run the antifreeze out (and dilute it) before going to the lake. Even though polluting is a good point, I was more concerned about keeping the rust at a minimum. I think it's like Jay said. Keeping water in will inhibit rust. My thinking is it will also help lubricate the impeller.

Ronnie please tell me your not using regular car (ethylene glycol) antifreeze and either dumping it in the ground or into the lake?

No, it's a pink antifreeze that's supposed to be environmentally safe.

<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/wink.gif" border=0> cool, you almost scared me there for a moment