Adding a GoldenRod to take the chill off.

[Nehalennia]

Ok, I'm thinking of adding a "GoldenRod" in Nehalennia's belly for the really cold days it sounds like we'll be having. Even though I'm in the garage now, it's not heated and I'd like a little heat in there. I see that they are more described as "dehumidifiers" than heaters, I've heard from those of you who use them they heat pretty well.

Also, I see online that there is a typical plug on the end of this thing. I was under the understanding have outlets and plugs in an engine bay was a recipe for disaster. Exposing potential sparks with power surges or outages in a contained areas that may have gas fumes in them is not recommended.

How have some of you installed these?

 

[fwebster]

I wouldn't count on a Goldenrod to do much for heat. They do provide enough heat to reduce moisture in a closed space like the cabin.

I simpler choice after you install them are light bulbs. I've added a 120V circuit to my engine room and put 2 vapor proof light fixtures on the bulkhead. I keep 2 rough service long life bulbs burning all winter. For us it is more to reduce (eliminate!) condensation, but the added heat is noticable on a cold day.

 

[Nehalennia]

I wouldn't count on a Goldenrod to do much for heat. They do provide enough heat to reduce moisture in a closed space like the cabin.

I simpler choice after you install them are light bulbs. I've added a 120V circuit to my engine room and put 2 vapor proof light fixtures on the bulkhead. I keep 2 rough service long life bulbs burning all winter. For us it is more to reduce (eliminate!) condensation, but the added heat is noticable on a cold day.

Frank,
Do you have any pictures of those?

 

[Westie]

I think you would be much better off using the heaters described in this thread.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13780

 

[Nehalennia]

I think you would be much better off using the heaters described in this thread.

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13780

Yes I've seen those too, but he has a diesel and no issues to worry about outlets and sparks in his engine bay.

With those plugs and the one on the golden rod, that's what I'm worried about. I'm just not sure I need and Xtreme heater or something when our temps only occasionally get into the 20's and my boats stored in an unheated garage.

 

[Four Suns]

Yes I've seen those too, but he has a diesel and no issues to worry about outlets and sparks in his engine bay.

With those plugs and the one on the golden rod, that's what I'm worried about. I'm just not sure I need and Xtreme heater or something when our temps only occasionally get into the 20's and my boats stored in an unheated garage.

I'm not sure how the rumor started about the wolverine heaters only being allowed for diesel engines. The manufacturer doesn't say that... and there is nothing to "spark" outside of the plug.

I was down to the boat this weekend and I'm very impressed with how the bilge is dry as a bone now. I used to have condensation problems in the winter with the Xtreme heaters but I have zero condensation now by keeping the metal parts warm/constant temp so condensation doesn't form on them.

My 2 cents.

 

[osd9]

I have Wolverine heaters on my oil pans. I keep my boat in the water for the winter and I also keep the Wolverines plugged in. I don't have big honkin' diesels like Four Suns, I just have little honkin' diesels....only 26.5 quarts of oil in each motor. I have the smaller 250watt heaters on each pan. I measured and they actually only draw ~425 watts total. I don't remember exactly, but I think I calculated it cost about $40-$50 / month to just leave them on.....so I do.....for the few winter months. I don't need them to protect the motors from freezing, because I winterize the motors with AF. But, as Gary said, they absolutely eliminate the condensation.

 

[Robski97]

Gary,
The wolverine heaters . How do u have them wired ? Are they always on ? do u unplug them in the summer / underway ?


Rob

 

[Four Suns]

Gary,
The wolverine heaters . How do u have them wired ? Are they always on ? do u unplug them in the summer / underway ?


Rob

It's a permanent install with a switch in the salon on the breaker panel. The link above explains it... or this one:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13780

 

[carterchapman]

Todd,

MM wired my xTreme heater by cutting off the plug and running it through the wireway to the 120VAC GFI Plug by my cockpit refrigerator. They permanently wired it inside the box, so it is switched on my outlets CB.

I like Gary's separate CB wiring plan better though.

 

[Nehalennia]

I'm not sure how the rumor started about the wolverine heaters only being allowed for diesel engines. The manufacturer doesn't say that... and there is nothing to "spark" outside of the plug.

I was down to the boat this weekend and I'm very impressed with how the bilge is dry as a bone now. I used to have condensation problems in the winter with the Xtreme heaters but I have zero condensation now by keeping the metal parts warm/constant temp so condensation doesn't form on them.

My 2 cents.

Hey Gary,
I wasn't saying that those can only go into boats with diesel, but I would worry about adding an outlet in a Gas boat where I can 'plug' in anything. If the plug gets bumped and power is restored or turned on there is potential for a spark. That is my only concern, so I was wondering on the Lights Frank suggested, the heaters you suggested or Goldenrod I brought up can be hardwired in the bilge. You guys with diesel don't have to worry about that.

 

[Four Suns]

Yeah... I don't know how one wires up anything with a 120v "plug" in a gas boat engine room. You would have to run any heater connection with a permanent junction box or have the plug outside the bilge IMO...

 

[Nehalennia]

Yeah... I don't know how one wires up anything with a 120v "plug" in a gas boat engine room. You would have to run any heater connection with a permanent junction box or have the plug outside the bilge IMO...

Exactly. So That was my idea to hardwire something. I'm just not sure my temperatures on average warrant a Xtreme type full blown bilge heater

 

[osd9]

So long as the fixture itself is 'spark proof', I don't see why you can't hard wire the fixutre in the bilge of a gas boat. The connection of the wires would have to be done in accordance with all applicable regs, similar to the way that the HWH, Battery Charger, AC pump, etc are wired.

 

[Sundancer]

Why not just run the plug up and outside the engine compartment? Does the 260 have an outlet in the cockpit somewhere? You wouldn't need it that often over there would you?

 

[velooce]

I have used a west marine round dehumidifier in the bilge for 12 years, year round 24/7 or when ever shore power is connected to the boat with great results.

 

[Nehalennia]

So long as the fixture itself is 'spark proof', I don't see why you can't hard wire the fixutre in the bilge of a gas boat. The connection of the wires would have to be done in accordance with all applicable regs, similar to the way that the HWH, Battery Charger, AC pump, etc are wired.

Why not just run the plug up and outside the engine compartment? Does the 260 have an outlet in the cockpit somewhere? You wouldn't need it that often over there would you?

I have used a west marine round dehumidifier in the bilge for 12 years, year round 24/7 or when ever shore power is connected to the boat with great results.

Well I'd like to run something but I think whereever I hardwire it to it's beyond the 6' length, which means I'll have to splice that cabling. We'll see. I'll figure something out Sat AM>

 

[MaddyDean]

I have the 24-inch Goldenrod in my bilge spanning in front of the twins and it seems to be working fine. I am going to get one of those remote temperature readers just for more comfort. Getting tired of seeing if it working by opening the hatch and letting the heat out.
In regards to the electric connection in the bilge, I avoided that by laying a screwdriver on the hatch-ledge and placing a little weather stripping to fill up the gap then running the plug through the hatch opening. The plug to the Goldenrod is actually on the outside of the bilge—no chance of spark in engine compartment.
Depending how long the electric cables are to the Wolverines this may be an option. In addition, the wire on the Goldenrod is a standard stranded 10/2 very easy to extend if needed.
I still winterized the engines (26.5 inches of snow this past weekend) but my goal is to reduce the moisture in the bilge and it is working like a champ.

 

[farwellbooth]

I have a 36 incher on the way for a 22 foot Sundeck. I want to put it in the cabin (added an enclosure) on the floor. I understand these get hot to touch. Would it be ok to bolt this to a 2x4? Is there any risk of the wood catching fire? If this is too dangerous, any other material you would suggest? The boat is on a lift all season in Seattle and I want to easily take it in and out. When we go out, just put it on the dock and put in storage in the summer.

thanks

 

[Lazy Daze]

I have an oil pan heater on my Suburban (diesel) and it's been great. I have a block heater, too, but I added the pan heater for the really cold months. Although I don't think they're "officially" approved for use in a gas engine bay, I think as long as you get rid of the plug you'll be fine. Maybe that's the only part of it that keeps it from being approved? It's a very easy install on a truck... a little bit harder on a boat since the hull is in the way.

Todd - you could easily extend that cord and bring it up through the cockpit deck behind the engine. Bring it up behind the false wall in the transom locker. From there, you can simply plug it into an extension cord and even use a timer so it's not running all day. If you wanted to get a little fancy, you could install a Marinco power outlet into that false wall and permanently wire the pan heater to it. I've done the same thing with my Suburban - I installed the Marinco power outlet into my front bumper (steel).