Well a lot depends on your situation, and how your boat is stored. I can only speak of my personal experience.. My I/O is trailered and stored inside my barn so I have less danger than someone storing in water or outside. Like you I want to get every day in that I can before winter. Inside my barn I have a couple of trouble lights (100watt) that I stick inside the doghouse to keep anything from freezing. They will keep my block at around 50-55 degrees when outside temp is below 30. Over the years I have learned that after the first weekend in November the chances of a good weekend are very slim!! So...on the first weekend of NOV I put my boat to bed for the winter. I have had some really cold days to have to winterize but generally it is not to bad.....but after that....look out winter will be here before you know it!!