I decided to pull the trigger and install a bilge heater this year, Can I simply plug it into my outlets and leave outlet switch on from panel (which will have shore power and battery charger on only)? Most likely going with Twin Hornet which is 115V/700W. I can go direct to main power with 30A to 115 converter if needed. I have outlet in my cord compartment and would be easy access. Just trying to avoid as many lines as possible exiting the boat.
TN Boatman
Your plan is the same that I have used for 8-9 years now. I keep a digital thermometer (that records min & max temp) down there just to keep an eye on things.
During my time as a marine salvor I saw it too many times....owner installs bilge heater for winter (a lot of times even a space heater), winter storm blows in and knocks out power, no more heater so water in the intake lines freeze and cracks the lines, when power company restores power the heaters come back on and thaw the ice in the lines. You've just sunk your own boat, literally. The heater you installed just became what thawed the iced up lines. I even had one sink in 40' of water at the dock, that was a substantial salvage bill. Some insurance companies will not cover a sinking with a similar story. Personally to me its not worth the risk, but it all depends where you live. If you're in an area prone to winter ice or snow storms its just not worth the risk in my mind.
I'm going a little overboard this year. Boat is staying in water. I'm winterizing Engines and Genny with -100 antifreeze, water systems with -50, and bought an Extreme heater for the engine comp. just to be sure.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
