Who's starting 2024 Season early

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03-16-2024, 08:18 AM

SecondWind

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Who's starting 2024 Season early

Midwest boater here and just wondering when to start. The weather seems a bit warmer this Winter than usual. Anyone going to start their boating early this year? I'm thinking mid April might warrant a shake down run. I guess my only fear for an early start is a late freeze and cracking a block. Our boat is stored in an unheated outbuilding.

03-16-2024, 08:57 AM

Helmwurst

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Can you run a heat lamp or bilge heater to the shed? I would have a backup plan in case of an unexpected cold snap.

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03-16-2024, 10:40 AM

jeff32

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I am up in montreal canada and never froze hard enough in april to crack a block... or anything else for that matter!

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03-16-2024, 11:34 AM

SecondWind

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Helmwurst

Can you run a heat lamp or bilge heater to the shed? I would have a backup plan in case of an unexpected cold snap.

Yes I have power in the shed. I worry about something going up in smoke.

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1983ScarabIII (03-16-2024)

03-16-2024, 11:36 AM

SecondWind

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff32

I am up in montreal canada and never froze hard enough in april to crack a block... or anything else for that matter!

Well hell if you’re not worried about April in Canada I think I should be fine.

03-16-2024, 04:51 PM

105Fountain

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03-16-2024, 04:55 PM

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And then there’s me. Lol

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03-16-2024, 05:10 PM

Sydwayz

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If you start early (or want to run late before winterizing), put a old fashioned 100W trouble light, hanging in the bilge. It will keep temps up about 10 degrees, and not an exposed heater or anything.
I used to use a pair of clamp on lights like this:
https://a.co/d/9Sb0dzB

Who's starting 2024 Season early-61tm-or1fgl._ac_sl1500_.jpg

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