Question for us winter sufferers

[willy]

Do any of you fellows that live thru a northern winter keep your boats ready to go (trailerable boats) all winter. I have had 50-60 degree days the past week and though I know it will get colder I would like to not close the boat up but instead be able to go out, especially local lakes etc. Other than keeping the batteries charged and engines turned down for drainage any suggestions.

Second question on closing up the motor, my friend went to the local west marine to pick up some season ending supplies for the close up and they told him that he needed to pump antifreeze thru his block and sold him the stuff to do it. They told him countless engines experience damage because of freezing of the water that is trapped in the block of the engine that does not drain out.
I have never done this and I told him I would ask you guys if any of you do. ???