Heater question

Johnny Slalom

New Member
Jun 5, 2019
24
Madison, MS
Boat Info
99 Sea Ray Sundancer 270
Engines
454 Mercruiser w/Bravo III Drives
I'm considering a bilge heater rather than winterizing for my 1999 Sea Ray 270. I'm in Mississippi and our winters are generally mild with only a few sub-freezing days. I'd like to keep access since there are many good days to be on the lake through the winter. Any suggestions for the best engine compartment heater with a thermostat?
 
We are a diesel boat so it's a little different for us, but I have block heaters on the mains and OEM heater that kicks in at 40 degrees and below. We are wet slipped year around and I leave the cabin @ 60... I have never winterized the boat.
 
We are a diesel boat so it's a little different for us, but I have block heaters on the mains and OEM heater that kicks in at 40 degrees and below. We are wet slipped year around and I leave the cabin @ 60... I have never winterized the boat.
So you leave the heaters on the boat running all the time? I always thought about it but would worry about a hose breaking or something else happening and having a mess when you returned. Guess I worry to much.
 
We are a diesel boat so it's a little different for us, but I have block heaters on the mains and OEM heater that kicks in at 40 degrees and below. We are wet slipped year around and I leave the cabin @ 60... I have never winterized the boat.
Jealous!
 
So you leave the heaters on the boat running all the time? I always thought about it but would worry about a hose breaking or something else happening and having a mess when you returned. Guess I worry to much.

Winter in the cabin area is the fan running 24/7 & the house heat is set @ 55 but the electric heater I bring in is set @ 60, so the heat pump is only working if the electrical heater fails. Also, I have https://simplisafe.com/ cellular-based alarm company with water sensors, 2 temp sensors, CO/smoke, motion & door switches.
 
Snug as a bug in a rug...
2019-03-31 14.53.33.jpg
 
Last edited:
I'm considering a bilge heater rather than winterizing for my 1999 Sea Ray 270. I'm in Mississippi and our winters are generally mild with only a few sub-freezing days. I'd like to keep access since there are many good days to be on the lake through the winter. Any suggestions for the best engine compartment heater with a thermostat?

As a Louisiana native now living in Virginia, a wise man told me that a heater in the bilge is a good winterization plan until it isn't. If the power goes out, you're "stuck". I grew up hunting around Hazelhurst on family land. That is the coldes place in the world! I'm guessing that you are up on the "Rez". My point is, if you are not using the boat, then spend the $150 (if not less) and winterize the boat and sleep well at night.

Jaybeaux
 
My alarm will tell me and if my ass gets to tight, I'll spend the money on the generator auto start...
 
Keep in mind that in that in MS your boat is sitting in water that most likely won't go below 45 degrees even when the air temps go below freezing for a few nights. Get an Xtreme 600 watt bilge heater and you will be fine. Run the reverse cycle heat pump set at 55. I have been through several nights in a row below 10 degrees and the boat stays toasty. If we were to lose power for I am 30 minutes away. I have a ceramic heater that I set in the cabin at 55 when it gets cold. I open the fresh water lines and let them blow out but don't winterize. We have too many warm winter days that I use the boat to winterize.
 

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