"My merc 135 manual address the tilt question by recommending that the motor be left in the down position. The reason was that water could collect in the prop hub and freeze there; .."
We leave the motor down so it
1. drains on the trailer, or
2. is in the water where warm water keeps it from freezing.
If the water freezes in your slip/dock/moorage, etc., you need to get the boat up out of the water.
I spend a lot of time here because of my bad back and limited mobility, maybe 4-6 or more hours some days, and I can't keep up with or read everything!
Help! This hobby keeps cutting into my retirement!