Hunting Fishing Discussions

Featured Outdoor Businesses

1st Choice Guide Service
Minnewaukan, ND


Share on Facebook subscribe feed
4 Replies | Page 1 of 11 | Top of Page | Bottom of Page

Using the boat in subfreezing temps

by , Posted to on 02/09/2011 4:58 PM | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/12/2008
Location: ND
For you guys that fish the tailrace in a boat in freezing weather what are some of the things that need to be done once the boat is out of the water? I'm always worried things are gonna freeze up and break. Also I was told you are not supposed to use your livewell in subfreezing weather. Any truth to this? Thanks. 
Re: Using the boat in subfreezing temps
by on 02/09/2011 5:19 PM | Reply #1 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 09/05/2008
Location: ND
When I would go to DL and do a cast and blast for ducks and walleyes I didn't use any water systems at all.  Not even the bilge pump.  After the day was done, I would pull the plug on the boat and try to drain as much water out of the engine as I could.  If possible, I would put a small electric space heater under the tarp in an attempt to keep things thawed.  Batteries go to pot real quick in cold weather too, so I would bring them in every night along with the trolling motor.  The vinyl seats crack a little easier too as do most electronics. All this may not have been necessary, but I didn't have any problems with hoses cracking or seals breaking.  Cold weather boating is quite challenging, have fun.
Re: Using the boat in subfreezing temps
by on 02/09/2011 6:25 PM | Reply #2 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 05/07/2009
Location: ND
I have fished the Tailrace a few times in february and have used all functions in my boat with no problems.  I just drained everything out and ran all pumps after water was drained to spin any water out that may be in the pumps.  I also started my motor out of the water for a few seconds to spin all water out of it as well.  Make sure to trim motor all the way down to drain prop. 

There is no limit on a Good Time!!

Re: Using the boat in subfreezing temps
by on 02/09/2011 8:51 PM | Reply #3 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 08/20/2008
Location: ND

I fish a lot in cold weather with the boat too first thing is of course check all functions before leaving home to make sure something isnt frozen! after starting motor of course look for water if no water shut off within a minute or so let it thaw a bit not always a problem but sometimes it is! when comin out pull plugs away from the ramp! so it doesnt cause problems for everyone else! lower motor start run for 30 seconds make sure all water is out I usualy put it in gear let er spin a few times. get a bank charger so ya can just plug it in when ya get home and it keeps your batteries fresh all the time so ya dont have to worry bout cold weather killin them.  when ya get home drop your motor to the lowest position it will go until next trip!

  Check all your hubs and tire pressures and stuff pack em nice and full get some bearing buddies or something similair a couple pumps a month equals no problems on the road! stuff breaks a lot easier when it is cold so be easy on the equipment!  who needs a livewell when its 10 degrees? i forgot to unplug mine one time and i had ice in there for two months finally took it to nelson and pumped some warm water in there so i could drain it was worried it would crack!  wont b making that mistake again.

  Biggest thing about fishing in cold weather is take care of your motor! take care of your batteries and get outa your truck and walk down and check the dock unless ya wanna be swimmin with the eyes!

Re: Using the boat in subfreezing temps
by on 02/10/2011 2:59 PM | Reply #4 | "Quote" | "Quick Reply" |

Joined: 01/08/2003
Location: ND
WARNING!!!

If you have a BUNK trailer, they will freeze. DO NOT attempt to unhook your boat until in the water or you may have a BIG OUCHY when the boat slides off on the ramp.

Seems like common sense but it seems to happen every year on the Rainy River.
 

Good Luck and Good Fishin'

Eric T


4 Replies | Page 1 of 11 | Top of Page | Bottom of Page
Posted By:
Posted On: 02/09/2011 4:58 PM
898 Views, 4 Comments

Tags: boat, subfreezing, temps, using, things, weather, i'm, freezing, fish, tailrace
More Tags:
Region: North Dakota

Categories: Fishing > Walleye Fishing
Rate This ForumTopic
  • Currently 0/5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5

0/5 (0 votes cast)

You must be signed in to comment on this topic