Safe to start the io?

[fishingguy]

Just got out of the boat, and I have this urge to put the muffs on and crank her up! :D Might be a bit early. When are you going to get yours going? Weather forcasts look ok untill next weekend.

[Hook N Book]

I was very tempted to pull mine out yesterday to start getting it ready...especially since it was 66 degrees. I'll wait until sometime next week though.
As long as you keep your eye on the weather and there isn't an extended freeze you should be fine.;)

[fishingguy]

66!!!!! Don't think it will be that warm here on the shores of Erie for awhile. Right now I'm thrilled with 50. If a ramp opens up I'm gonna go for it.

[ncraft150]

I dont know about io's, but outboards are designed to drain any excess water from the motor if stored in an upright position. I know a ton of guys including myself that will go out even if it will be freezing temps as long as you can get the boat on the lake.

[duckman]

most campgrounds wait until tax day to turn on the water so the pipes don't burst with a good freeze.... to me it sounded like a good rule of thumb for I/O's ....

[KaGee]

I dont know about io's, but outboards are designed to drain any excess water from the motor if stored in an upright position. I know a ton of guys including myself that will go out even if it will be freezing temps as long as you can get the boat on the lake.

An I/O is NOTHING like an outboard.

Go ahead and start it up as often as you please. Just drain the block and manifolds after use or be prepared for the consequences. We are not out of the woods yet for subfreezing temps here in the Northern zone.

Another thing about jumping right out into the lake right after ice out... debris. A lot of damage occurs early spring to drives, props and hulls. Just ask the marinas. They LOVE spring. ;)

It's your boat... what ever floats it, go for it.