Question: I am planning on taking my houseboat to one last Steeler game on the 21rst. I leave the boat in the water for the winter and will winterize everything after the 21rst. This week I am not worried about, but next week it is suppose to get pretty cold. In the upper 20's every night. I currently do not run any space heaters, etc. My question is: should i set some space heaters up to keep the boat warm that week? I hate to have them on when I won't be there. Could tip over, cause a fire, who knows. Any ideas on this from anybody? I also have marine air/heat that can keep the inside of the boat warm, but it uses river water...and if the water gets too cold, will that freeze the pipes? Again...any ideas on this?
If you are concerned about the engine freezing it shouldn't be a problem because the water is still fairly warm. A hundred watt light bulb or two in will give you plenty of heat and peice fo mind. I agree, leaving space heaters on while not being there probably isn't the best idea. I don't think your pipes will freeze if you use the reverse air. Remember as the water gets colder, however, you get less heat from the unit.
GUYS,
I REALIZE THAT YOU ARE TRYING TO SAVE A LITTLE MONEY, BUT USING LIGHT BULBS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL. THEY CAN IGNITE MOST ANY COMBUSTIBLE, AND BREAK VERY EASY.
USE AN APPROVED BILGE HEATER THAT WON'T IGNITE ANYTHING. http://www.xtremeheaters.com/
Gary
I realize you don't agree with this but yelling with all cap is a bit much don't you think.
I believe that there are approx 26 110v incandescent light bulbs including 2 in the engine room that were installed by the factory in my boat. In 19 years nothing has burnt yet. My house probably has over 50 and I would not hesitate to leave them on 24/7.
As with anything if done with thought and care it can be safe. I agree that if done haphazardly it could be unsafe.
I think $400 for a ing protected ceramic heater is a to much.
Dave,
Sorry, did not mean to have all caps, just habit.
Your lights are mounted and approved for the use. Most likely, they are water resistant, and vapor proof. also, you run diesel, which is not the same as gasoline. We spend too much money on our toys to be careless.
Have to agree with Dave. Properly surrounded, like with a trouble light basket, and securely mounted should not be a problem. I've used, and know lots of others who have used a light bulb for short term protection. A lot safer than the person who leaves their marine air on while away and the hose breaks and the boat fills with water in a heartbeat. Or leaving a portable heater plugged in and it burns the plug before it blows the fuse. Again, for the short term a properly protected and secured light should be fine.
Houseboat heaters
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