I am leaving my houseboat in the water for this up coming winter. I am having it winterized and shrinkwrapped by the marina where it is staying. I was told that i really dont need to put a deicer around it as it really never ices up. I really think i should buy one and use it. This is my first winter with the houseboat and leaving any boat in the water Are there any opions that you all might have to give me a headsup to ?
I've had a houseboat in the water for the last 17 years. I've used a bubbler twice. My marina now requires a bubbler to be ready, either in the water or on the dock ready to put in the river. You probably will never need it, but better safe than sorry. It also depends on where your boat is docked, to some degree. If you're close to shore and in shallow water the chances are you will have some amount of ice form. My boat has always had heat on it, but I still winterize the engines for peace of mind and a better nights sleep. The bubbler adds a certain amount of safety. Also, make sure you check your insurance. Many policies DO NOT include damage from ice hitting the boat.
Thankyou for your input i checked my insurance and had it changed to cover the boat left in the water and i also DID buy a deicer and thermostat that will turn it on when the temp reaches 30 degrees. Thankyou for your input !!!!!
You're welcome. Be careful with the thermostat. Deicers use a lot of electricity and you may want to turn it on manually. If you can get to the boat and check it fairly easily I'd skip the thermostat. If you're paying for electric you could run up the national debt when you don't need to!
winter storage in water ?
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