Bilge Heater Question

TN Boatman

Member
Aug 31, 2017
44
Maryville, TN
Boat Info
1998 Sundancer SE
Engines
7.4MPI B3
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.
 
As long as you're making the plug connection OUTSIDE of the bilge, you're good.
 
And as long as the power dosent go out for a extended period of time.
 
I bought the twin hornet 45 this week.
Haven't installed it, heck don't even have my boat yet, but but looks well built.
 
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.
 
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.
Well, a responsible owner still winterizes.
 
Well, a responsible owner still winterizes.

Marine/RV antifreeze in water system until Galley and Head run pink with hot on cold water as well as toilet. A/C running pink out the side too. Engine oil change, water/fuel filter changed, manifolds water pump and all other areas drained, hoses disconnected, engine fogged and added a heater just so my 7.4 baby is nice and comfy. That ought to do it. :)
 
Pour some AF back in through the t-stat hoses - will help to keep the interior metal passageways from rusting. Also ensures that any pockets of remaining water are flushed with AF - which is a very real possibility. Just on the off chance that power is lost for a while.
 
Pour some AF back in through the t-stat hoses - will help to keep the interior metal passageways from rusting. Also ensures that any pockets of remaining water are flushed with AF - which is a very real possibility. Just on the off chance that power is lost for a while.


LD, agree. always pour back in through upper hose.
 

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