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Ice-out around the corner?

Mar. 28 2019 Ice out 2019 By Curt Schweiso

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Last year was a record late ice-out on Lake Minnetonka.

In 2018, the Freshwater Society and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol declared ice-out on Lake Minnetonka just after 12 noon on May 5. That makes the 2018 ice-out tied for the latest on record, sharing the honors with May 5, 1857. This was 21 days later than the April 14 median date — when half the recorded ice-outs have occurred earlier. With record snowfalls combined with a Polar Vortex, it would stand to reason that ice out would be late again this spring. Will a warm and rainy March speed up the process. Let's hope so! We would love to hear from you, what date do you think the 2019 Lake Minnetonka Ice Out will be this year?

Get the new boating season off to a great start.

Spring has sprung and for Minnesota boaters that means it's time to get our boats out of winter storage and put them back in the water where they belong. For many boaters, annual spring preparation and cleaning projects are necessary rites of spring that can help prevent problems that could keep you off the water once the season is underway.

Here’s some things you can do to ensure you'll enjoy another season of carefree boating*

  • If necessary, reinstall your batteries. Top each lead acid batteries with distilled water. Fully charge your batteries. Clean, tighten electrical connections, especially electrical terminals of battery cables. Coat battery terminals with insulating film of grease or apply protective battery terminal spray.
  • Handles, levers, buttons and toggle switches should all move freely.
  • Hoses should be clamped with stainless-steel hose clamps. Replace any that look rusted.
  • Inspect the raw-water intake strainer to be sure it has not cracked, and is clean and free of corrosion. Make sure the strainer's top fits snugly.
  • Check running lights. Clean/ tighten connections or replace bulbs to assure that all are operating properly.
  • Inspect hatches and deck fittings for dirty or displaced caulking, water trails, dirt, and corrosion, any of which signals a leak that needs to be re-caulked.
  • Test bilge pump and alarms.
  • Test smoke detectors and carbon dioxide alarms.
  • Check flares (expiration date) and fire extinguishers (charged), and replace/recharge as necessary.
  • Check and service safety gear as life jackets, MOB (Man Over Board) gear/cushion, air horn/whistle.
  • Inspect props for dinging, pitting, and distortion. Make sure cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft-if it's loose, the cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.
  • Inspect the anodes on the shaft, out drive, and trim tabs. Replace any that are close to half-deteriorated.
  • Do not forget to put your boats drain plug/plugs in at the boat launch prior to placing it in the water. If the DNR is represented at the boat landing they will want to inspect the boat prior to launching.
  • After the boat is launched, be sure to inspect around the rudder and all thru-hulls for water leaks.
  • Check fuel filters, air filters and replace if needed.
  • Change engine oil unless it was done in the fall (preferable). Check fluid levels: transmission, hydraulic steering fluid, and coolant.
  • Inspect belts for tension and wear.
  • Replace raw-water impellers if they are more than a year old.
  • Inspect outer jackets of cables for cracks and swelling, either of which indicates the cable must be replaced. Use water proof grease at the ends.

*Not all items apply to all boats. If you have any questions, call our service department at 952-471-7000.

Curt Schwieso

Boating Consultant

Wayzata Marine

curt@wayzatamarine.com