Ice Bubblers

[MikeyJ]

If you leave your boat in for the winter, do you need to have bubblers under the boat to keep ice from forming. I was going to pick one or two up but I have not seen much ice this year at all. Is it something that usually happens, just hit or miss, or not that often? Probably depends which part of the river you are on... my winter home is in the Dashields pool.

Are they a good idea to have anyway? Any idea what they are worth?

[bkpursuit]

I've been in the water year round for 12+ years and have only needed to use bubblers 2 or 3 times, but I keep them handy in case of a long hard freeze. They are very expensive to operate, but do the job.

[MikeyJ]

thanks... I don't know that I am going to keep the boat in every year, but so far it has not been a problem for me. Do you have any idea what they are worth used? if not, no big deal

[Just A Boater]

This has been a mild winter with little ice. But I have seen the rivers freeze from shore to shore. They are good to have when you need to use them. My grandmother used to keep her boat in year round and did need them from time to time. The cost to operate is cheaper than fixing a cracked hull and stringers.

[galleyslave]

If you ever plan on leaving in for the winter, it's a good idea to have one. I think (crosses fingers) we are out of the woods for this winter. They range from 1/2 to 2 HP, depending on the size of your boat for what you need. New, they range from $350 to $650. Do a search on Marine De Icer. Hope this helps.

Wiskers
M/V JAWS