As said above it depends. We upgraded boats a few years ago we got an outboard just so we easily could fish later in the year (cant quite get the new (used) boat in the garage so she sits outside covered between the time the marina closes and the lake freezes). Last year the wife and I were out on Erie December 28th but that was a bit too late, the line kept getting iced up. I just make sure to let it drain fully before driving when it's that cold. When it's cold but not freezing yet I just tilt it down when I get home and let it drain in the yard. Only thing I hate about doing it this way is I dont have a barn so when the seasons over I end up fogging, changing the oil and lower lube outside in the winter (like to check everything before putting her away for the winter). When we had an IO the season was up way sooner. And I was mad every time there was a random nice day after the first good freeze.