I can start them in winter without heat but don't unless necessary. When I shipped the boat up it was unloaded from Transport ship in February. No shore power on transport ship so had no choice when they dropped me in the water with everything ice cold.
As a last follow up to this. We have decided to take the "path of sanity" and sell ours in the spring. Then find another. Thanks for all the replies fellas, I appreciate it. gcd