Does anyone suggest a brand of heater to put into the bilge to keep from freezing. Maybe thermostat controlled. I do not want to winterize. Does not get below 15-20 very often. Boat is inside metal building with other cars, ect. Want something safe. No lightbulbs, they may burn out.

Boatsafe makes a heater. I think you can get them at west marine

We sell the Xtreme Heaters, here are the specs -

Forced air heaters for more accurate climate control (circulating warm air through engine compartment efficiently and consistently)
Automatic thermostat turns heater on at 40°F and off at 52°F +/-3°
Safe through temperature limiting characteristics of the heating element that was exclusively designed for Xtreme Heaters (HEATER WILL NOT OVERHEAT)
Dynamic, self regulating, and therefore energy efficient and economical to use
High power to size ratio (built to fit in the smallest package size possible to deliver the most effective heat ever in a bilge heater)
Pre-wired (for ease of installation by consumer or professional)
Long life /reliable using the best components available
Built to meet or exceed ABYC ignition protection Standards with UL, SA, CE and VDE recognized components (this is the safest possible way today)
Fully anodized inside and out for superior protection from the elements
Full 1 year warranty and lifetime support for service
Models come in small=XHeat (300w), medium=XXHeat (450w), and large=XXXHeat (600w)

I have to ask , why will people spend hundreds on heaters and hydro yet will not buy antifreeze ? The hydro only has to go out once and the engines are junk . Just wondering .

I agree... Even if it's hooked up to a/c current you could still blow a circuit. It seems silly to me. The energy it will waste over the winter will likely double the cost of 10 jugs of anti-freeze. I don't get it either...


There are block heaters for diesel trucks that I'm sure you could use.


You said that you didn't want to use a light bulb because they burn out, but so do these electric heaters. Your safest bet is to winterize.

why not both and you can sleep at night..

I know a couple of fishermen that use their boats year round and don't want to winterize.

I use this company's heater....no regrets buying it..good choice.

I'm sure 700's & 575's make great fishing motors .

my system is raw water cooled,run boat even in the winter (Ryan Beckley's New Years Day Run) for example,the heater helps keep the moisture out of the engine room...less water marks on the polished stuff......just to name a few reasons antifreeze is not used in some applications