I've been contemplating a bilge heater for a few years but just never did it. My boat lives on a lift. It's time to winterize or bilge heat. I'm looking for some input from someone who's used a bilge heater in a 38ft boat with twins and on a lift or trailer.

deboatmon

the only thing i dislike about them is what happens if you have a power outage?? i would feel safer knowing that theirs no water in my engines..

I always use one in mine in addition to winterizing. I think it is a nice addition, and feel that certain items (belts, hoses, plastics) have worn better without the winter affecting them as much.

Mine has a fan to blow the heat throughout the bilge. I have NO idea how much it adds to my electric bill but would guess about 50 bucks a month. I figure it is worth it for 6 months a year....

Bilge heaters are to extend your boating season maybe another month.
I would definately not use one in lieu of winterizing.

Agreed, not insurance against freezing, but keeping the damp moisture away from your expensive stuff is priceless.

A lot cheaper to buy a few gallons of antifreeze than running heaters and a lot cheaper than a few new engines . The only time you will need the heaters is in a winter storm and thats when the hydro usually goes out. I would spend the heater money on antifreeze. But thats just me.

My family has a place on Norris. While the winters are more mild, I too would recommend antifreeze. We don't, but the boat fits in the garage.

+1

Ditto! I have them in the 370. I would never trust them over actual winterizing.