"Winterizing" on the Gulf Coast. Other ways besides drop lite in engine compartment
 

Winterizing my 23 foot cuddy cabin on the Gulf Coast has consisted of placing a 110 volt drop light in the engine compartment and turning it on during those three winter nights when the temperature drops to 29 degrees F.

There must be other people doing this and I was thinking that there might be a better way.

The goal is only to keep the engine compartment above freezing and it doesn't take much to do that. The boat is in a sling lift and is covered.

I see some Five Star magnetic engine block heaters on the web (example : http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop..._star/1160.htm) Wonder if one would do well for this purpose?

You guys up north may have some experience with the engine block heaters. I don't want to put one in the water jacket because the water drains out when the boat is lifted up on the sling lift.

Engine is a 454 Mag EFI, 385hp. It's a sweet motor for this size boat!

Are there any marine items designed for this purpose at a reasonable cost?

I just drop a light in my engine compartment, too, Hudson. It has always worked for me and I can use the boat on the days it is warm enough. Just doesn't stay cold long enough here in Texas to mothball the boat. After all, the payments are not mothballed!!

What if the bulb burns out?

I thought about the bulb burning out last year, so I used TWO drop lights!

I swipe one of those heating pads from my wife on cold fall and spring nights to keep my motor cozy

Oh yes, I use two drop lights, one for each side and I start each winter season with brand new bulbs.

Just drain the block, manifolds, and seawater pump. Disconnect the hoses if ya feel like it. Takes 10 minutes and doesn't draw as much amperage.