Bilge heaters

[SCSX190]

Any recommendations on bilge heaters for the 190 engine compartment. I am keeping her in the water all winter in a covered slip with the shipping cover on. Daytime temps average about 50 but we can dip below freezing occasionally at night.

 

[veedubtek]

No personal experience person, but while boat shopping I found 2 ( that I recall) boats using one called an Xtreme? I believe, 600w. The one owner I talked to about it loved it.

 

[McMark]

What about hanging a trouble light in there on cold nights?

 

[Micah Thompson]

If you want to spend a bit for a very nice unit, this one will do the trick. http://a.co/7CGc8KV

You can also use one of these if it it just dips into freezing zone for a short period, and not super cold. http://a.co/0CBhlwi

Incandescent light bulb in a work light fixture works great, but man it's hard to find incandescent bulbs any more, and I've found the halogen doesn't put out near as much heat.

 

[SCSX190]

I set up a stand-up heater with the anti freeze temp setting. Leaving the engine cover half open with the shipping cover topping it off.

 

[Addicted]

I leave one of these in the boat all winter (for the last 5 years). Keeps the mildew and freezing temps away. When I pull the cover I feel a small amount of heat holding in there.

https://www.amazon.com/Davis-Instruments-1458-Air-Dryr-1000/dp/B0014TMXVA/ref=sr_1_3_a_it/163-8540022-5751016?ie=UTF8&qid=1481168329&sr=8-3&keywords=marine+dehumidifier&th=1

 

[SamCF]

I have a small space heater I put in the closed engine compartment. I put a "T" inline with the onboard battery charger for power. As long as it's plugged in, the battery stays topped off and engine is kept above freezing.

 

[SCSX190]

Came to the boat this morning to check on the heater setup and it appears to be working as desired. The shipping cover provides a nice shell to keep the warm air in the boat. The heater has the freeze setup and turns on/off @ 45 degrees. I couldn't find a better solution at Walmart so I just used an existing heater I was using in the bonus room above the garage. We occasionally dip into the 20s but it doesn't last so a permanent solution isn't needed. The boat is in a wet slip and water temps help as well. Thanks for all the information.