Alex F
Well-Known Member
- Nov 14, 2006
- 9,167
- Boat Info
- 2005 420DB with AB 11 DLX Tender, Raymarine Electronics (2x12" MFDs) with Vesper AIS
- Engines
- Cummins 450Cs, 9KW Onan Generator, 40HP Yamaha for tender.
I'm confused by the question, fear, and examples of sinkings. If the water under and around you boat is not frozen, then why would the water on the other side of your hull, inside your bilge freeze? It seems almost impossible, unless your engine compartment was open to the air. ...
Mike, it sounds like you've answered your own question. Since only the part of the hull is under the water, it stays within the temp of the surrounding water. And of course depending on the location, it could be barely just above freezing. Everything else, from the water line up, will be exposed and remain much closer to the air temp, not so much the water temp. Will the part of the hull under water line spread the "warmer" temp up to the rest of the hull? Probably, but I would think only few inches. This would definately not be enough to protect the ER.
....Assuming you properly winterize the inside parts of your closed seacocks, why would the seacocks crack and sink the boat?
I'm puzzled about this as well.
OP asked interesting question, heat-up or not. I've never stored in water fully winterized boat. When I stored in NJ my boats were on hard. When I had my boat in SC, she was not winterized at all. However, being remote and unticipating different scenarios, including extreme cold snaps (which BTW actually happened and few marinas lost plumbing), I installed oil pan heaters to keep engines/gen and entire ER nice and tosty.
Granted, if all systems are winterized properly, perhaps there's no real need to have the heaters going. After all, that was the whole idea of winterizing, right? However, you probably heard many times that as the temps start to swing, the biggest issue and cause of rust on metal componets, is condensation. Thus, as soon as you invest in block heaters or the ER heaters, the condensation issue will be resolved. I also agree with Al's idea that some components like batteries don't like being exposed to frozen temps. Also, in the past few winters the temps are only dropping lower and lower. We've had reports where properly winterized FW systems developed cracs and leaks. This means that usual -50 or -60 antifreeze didnt provide expected protection. So, even if you have your strainers filled with pink, there's a chance of the pink to fail. IF the seacocks are closed, your boat should be safe. But, I would feel more comfortable keeping my ER constantly above freezing.
Another benefit, if your ER stays nice and warm, it opens extra window in regards to maintanace. Even if it's nasty outside, being in comfy ER will allow to do extra work. So, if I had the same question for myself, I'd vote for having ER heaters.
BTW, things like ER heaters can easily be removed and installed on your next boat. You could use it as a "selling point" for admiral...LOL