Thinking of keeping a small ceramic heater in the engine bay this winter to keep a little warmth in there. Hoping to reduce the cold weather impact on rubber parts/hoses. Is this a bad idea? Drawbacks that come to mind...fuel leak and a big boom, not sure if the ceramic heater would ignite the fumes though?

Thoughts?

the oil filled ones that look like a old radiator are a better deal...

oil type as mentioned is what i use.

If engine is winterized so freezing is not the issue here then it's not really worth messing with IMO. Hoses and rubber parts can withstand freezing temps. Owned my current boat 22 years now and it is in freezing temps every winter. Most of the hoses are still original and I have never had any such issues.

running a 1500 watt heater will cost a $hit load running 24/7.....living in Michigan and taking a boat every year to the Keys around Dec.17th. a 150 watt light bulb kept the engines amazingly warm.

Thats how we did it on the farm in indiana- hang a bare bulb in the engine bay.

Uncle Dave

Yep. Use one in my camper at my country place during winter 4-5 days a month. Jacks the bill about $25.

Same topic. 650 different threads over the years.

Not worth the risk, every time.

it's about .14 per kWh here...730 hrs in a month=150 bucks to run.

i think the risk of a 1500 watt anything totally unattended in an engine compartment is a bad idea when they account for many household fires.

the only reason i have done the light bulb trick is not winterizing a boat for a month....otherwise i don't think there is anything to be gained....your rubber will be just fine!

In my humble opinion, the risk of possibly burning your boat up with anything involving electricity far out-weighs any advantages. Winterize it and let it sit.