Name:   Newbie - Subject:   Pontoon/Tritoon...on the ground? Date:   10/20/2011 5:49:07 PM

Any experienced advice out there regarding letting a toon touch bottom and stay there as the TVA lake level drops over the winter?

If it sits on a level, muddy surface that is even for only a few weeks at the lowest draw down for the lake, will this matter?  I have seen toons beached, does it matter structurally or is it fine?

Second question is regarding the outboard. is it reasonable to raise the outboard to a level above the toon (not vertical) during the winter so the motor does not hit bottom when the lake level drops...while leaving the boat in the lake?  I have been told that no matter what I might do, water will remain in the lower crankcase and may well freeze and crack the motor.  Can that water be easily blown out or removed and the opening covered for the winter?

The best solution is to leave the boat in deep water or pull it out of the lake...but I do not have that deep water in the available slip...and I have no trailer.

I appreciate any advice on this you can share.

Thanks in advance for all the jokes and advice.