Temp bilge heater for 185 Sport

Golfnit

Golfnit

New Member
Jul 5, 2009
24
North Carolina
Boat Info
2007 185 Sport
F-150
Engines
4.3L ETS 190 HP
I don't post much, but read a lot on this forum. Thanks for the info and stories! I'll have a boat big enough in a decade to take one of those trips many people talk about... keys and beyond.

With this cold front coming through this weekend, it's going to become below freezing in NC. Night time temps below freezing (high 20s) and lower 40s during the day. I have a 185 sport with a 4.3 TKS and I haven't winterized the engine yet as I have a broken foot, otherwise it would be done. It is stored outside. I have an appointment next week at a local shop, but in the mean time I'm a little worried about the city water inside the engine. I see some posts about bilge heaters, but they are really for larger boats. I'm looking for something that will get me through the weekend and maybe next week that will keep the engine above freezing. Gas tank is 5% full, so some fumes will be in the area. Was thinking about getting a 10 gal fish tank heater and put it in a 5 gallon bucket and set the temp on the heater at lowest setting (usually around 68). Place the bucket in the bilge area and let her run. Allowing the heat radiate in the bilge. Thinking that the fish tank heaters are 100% submersible, the gas fumes can't access the heating element and therefore safe to run in the area. Obviously a regular space heater is a terrible idea. What is the forum's thought on the idea?

A quick search gives this as an product possible for this application.
http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752191

Thanks
-Mark
 
Mark, I am by no means an expert so I'm hoping that others chime in. That being said.....Not the best idea Ive ever heard.
1. I dont think a bucket of warm water, luke warm at best, will keep your engine compartment warm.
2. I feel certain there is a bilge heater small enough to fit in your engine compartment.
3. Simply draining the block and doing nothing else would allow me to sleep easier than the bucket idea.
4. The bucket will do nothing for your outdrive.

I hate shooting down your idea because I have no real hands on experience. But Im sure there is a better idea. I hope no offense is taken.
 
@MWPH
No offense taken. Actually the opposite, thanks for writing.
I forgot about the alpha 1 outdrive.
 
Considering the circumstances, the only thing I would consider is draining the block. However, chances are even this is not necessary as IMO it takes a lot more than one cold night to make that water freeze to the point where it starts breaking engine components.

I understand that getting $200-$300 boatsafe heater just to get through the weekend is an overkill. I guess, the other option (only if necessary) I would consider placing oil type space heater. But, you have to keep in mind that one of the major features of the boatsafe heater is that it's ignition protected (it won't create a spark). So, if your heater or whatever you'll put in the bilge will create a spark while there some fumes present your boat might explode.
This is of course extreme case scenario, but this is exactly what you need to avoid. If you end up placing oil type heater, at least make sure to secure and cover the plug (some good amount of electrical tape might do the job) which will be plugged in extension cord. This will help to minimize the risk of creating a spark at the plug, but we still can't be sure that just the heater itself is spark free. Chances are it's not. So, I would really think twice about it and before doing anything I would make sure that the bilge is 100% has no fumes or gas leaks.

Again, maybe the safest and simplest thing is to drain the block and just come by during the weekend to monitor.

I wish you fast recovery and get the boat ready for the winter.
 
@Alex
I did run the oil heater though my head, but was also concerned about the spark ability. So that's why i went to the proposed idea. I don't have a pump I can use for gas, but intend on filling up just before the winterizing process with fresh non-ethanol gas.

I do agree that it will take more time than a few nights for the water to freeze bad enough to mess with the block. Maybe worried too much... but third season finished on first boat.

My new years present to myself... walking with two shoes. :)
 
One option maybe if you have a set of muffs is start the the boat on the trailer and let the engine warm up to temp. That cast iron block will take quite awhile to to cool down below freezing.
I'm also in NC and not too long ago the temps went down to 25*. Earlier in the day, I ran the boat during maintenance and the engine compartment never got below 58* overnight according to the thermometer in the engine compartment. Boatsafe did not turn on. So just a thought until you winterize.
 
Last edited:
I was going to suggest running it on muffs just before bedtime, but if he was physically able to do that he could probably just run some anti freeze thru it. Again no expert here so I' m staying "in bounds."

sdarc - Were you in the water when your compartment held 58* ?
 
Yes I was/am in the water so yes that helps and water temps were in the mid 50's. But the engine still had some heat in it the next morning. There's a lot iron in a Chevy big block.

Since then coldest temp has been 48* in the engine compartment so I'm sure the Boatsafe had turned on.
 
If the lows are in the high 20's - I wouldn't be concerned with my boat. You can run the engine for a short period on muffs and let it get warm and then close it up and even throw some heavy blankets on the engine hatch to insulate and stuff sponges in the vents. You could also run some antifreeze through the block - 5 gallons and even if it is diluted it will work for your situation. Just let the boat get up to temperature and then run a 5 gallon bucket of antifreeze through the outdrive. It will be diluted. Or drain the engine. Do you have a boater friend that can climb in your bilge on your behalf to drain the block?
 
Thanks to all that wrote.
I drained the block this AM through the drain plugs.
Next year I'll defiantly sign up for an earlier winterizing.
Mark
 
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