I'm taking my boat out for the first time of the year on Friday, and I have a question. The water temps are probably in the 40-47* area, and I don't want my block to explode, so a little help would be great. I know you have to let it idle for a bit before running, but I'd like to know the safest way to run the motor in cold water. Thanks, all.

Do you have a temp guage? If not just give it plenty of warm up time. I usually drop mine in the water and leave it idling while i go park the truck and trailer. A few more minutes to make sure the thermostants are open are always good and stay off the top end for a few minutes after leaving the ramp. As the weather and water warm it will become less and less of an issue.

Yeah, I have a temp gauge, and thank you for the response, FFD. I'll just let it idle like you said, and I'm just going to keep it slow for now.

If it's an Optimax, warm up time may take between 10 to 15 minutes. Put the hammer down and stay ~ 2500 RPMs for several minutes then ease into WOT if needed. After a run, come off plane and let it idle for a minute or two before shutting off. Repeat this process each time to start the motor dur ing the day, NOT just the first!

Good luck!