Now I'm rethinking my gamble. According to the weather, it's only supposed to be below freezing for 4-6 hours. I cannot lower my outdrive due to a stepped driveway. Any thoughts on the light vs. gas fumes, and should there be anything to worry about there?

Put it in and let it idle all night. :drink:

100W bulb is fine hanging in the bilge is fine. Just don't let it get close to anything that it would melt. The 100W bulb will keep it a couple degrees warmer in there.

I can't believe you guys believe your weatherman. Around here 27 could turn into 15

Run down and pull the drain plugs

"Low of 27 Tonight, Should I do anything???"

Burn all the old tires you can find. Maybe you can kick this global warming thing in the ass and get it going.

A few hours at 27* will not freeze anything. No need to worry at all.

I put several cups of water outside last night, varying levels, with one being just a tiny amount, and when I went out they weren't effected at all. Temp gauge on my truck said 31, so checked the weather and looks like the temp isn't going to even get down to 27. Showing a low of 31 right now, and thats only for like 2 or 3 hours. Now it does feel colder with the wind chill, but ambient temp would be to important thing. I am glad though, I was getting a little nervous when I heard wind chill of 18.

Can't beleive people are actually recommending a light bulb. Go down and pull the drain plugs. With the plugs out turn the motor over for 5-10 seconds to spin the impeller and drive most of the water out. all your trying to do is eliminate the potential of having an engine block full of water. Any residual wont cause any damage.

The best way to drain a 496HO or 496Mag is with the air actuator drain system. That's what it's there for, and the two drain points create a vacuum that pulls as much water out of the upper side of the system (including heat exchanger) as possible.

Just about any other motor, yes, pull the plugs and/or hoses.