Engine Warmer Worthwhile?

[tigedane]

This is my first winter in North Texas with my 2000 20i. Boat is at a marina on a hoist. Have become intrigued with the notion of an engine warmer vs. getting it winterized as we do have some decent days here during December - Feb.

Thoughts on engine warmers? Do they generate enough warmth for a inboard?

Thanks,

Dane

[raythompson]

You could probably do just as well with a 100 watt (incadescant) light bulb in the engine compartment. They generate a surprising amount of heat. Or get a cheap ceramic heater with a thermostat and place that in the engine compartment.

[brody66]

I would get pretty nervous not knowing what is going on with the chance of a heater getting unplugged, a bulb burning out, or a breaker tripping. I would never trust a $7000 repair on a 70 cent light bulb, but thats me.

[chpthril]

Just drain the water from the block after each outing and reinstall the plugs. No chance of freezing and ready to go next warm day.

You will need to do all of the other post-season maintenance such as oil change, Stabilizer in the fuel tank, trans and V-drive fluid change and impeller in the Spring.

[Joeprunc]

X2 on the oil, trans, and fuel stabilizer before winter, and draining the block is pretty easy.

[bouska]

I have an engine compartment heater and love it. Plug it in and thats it. I live in tennessee and the winters are not that bad and on a nice day I will go out. It's nice not to have to mess with anything. I have never had anyone at the marina unplug anything. I do check on it every few weeks when I go to the shooting range(only 2 miles from marina). I wouldn't use a light bulb. If it starts a fire I am liable. Lease and insurance do not allow it and it just seems unsafe.

[raythompson]

I live in tennessee

I notice that you also list K-town as your location. Where in the area do you boat? I mostly use the Little Emory River as it much smoother than Watts Bar or Lake Loudon (ugh). The Clinch River is just too cold.

[dogbert]

Just drain the water from the block after each outing and reinstall the plugs. No chance of freezing and ready to go next warm day.

You will need to do all of the other post-season maintenance such as oil change, Stabilizer in the fuel tank, trans and V-drive fluid change and impeller in the Spring.

I'll second that. I live in a not so north part of Texas and it's worked well for me

[bouska]

Ray, I am on Norris Lake at Stardust marina. I ride on the Clinch River side mostly. Wetsuit and drysuit for when then waters cold. I agree Fort Loudon is just bad. It's always choppy and dirty.

[raythompson]

Ray, I am on Norris Lake at Stardust marina. I ride on the Clinch River side mostly. Wetsuit and drysuit for when then waters cold. I agree Fort Loudon is just bad. It's always choppy and dirty.

If you want some really smooth riding water try the Little Emory. Contact me this coming summer and I will take you out on the river. Choppy water on that river consists of ripples no more than an inch high.

Norris is nice water but it can get a little rough. It is also a longer drive for us so we choose the Little Emory. I am also a member of a private club with a clubhouse and private ramp with some parking. Not much but it beats the public launches.

[ImaPigDog]

Ray, I am on Norris Lake at Stardust marina. I ride on the Clinch River side mostly. Wetsuit and drysuit for when then waters cold. I agree Fort Loudon is just bad. It's always choppy and dirty.

@Bouska - we have a place at Powell Valley. We usually stay on the Powell as we can find good water around our area but occasionally head down your way for a cruise to go somewhere different.

We had a small Tige reunion this past summer. We will let you know if we do it again this summer.

[Guapo]

Ray and Bouska...How is the Knoxville Tige dealer for service? I will be keeping my Tige at Norris this summer and will want to have service done locally instead of dragging it home. Good to work with, prices good, competent, etc.?

Sorry, probably should have started a new thread...we kind of hijacked this one. Will do it if need be.

[raythompson]

Ray and Bouska...How is the Knoxville Tige dealer for service?

Travis marine is now the current Tige dealer. I purchased my Tige from Sea Ray of Knoxville. Musical dealer game again I guess.

But, I still take my boat to Sea Ray of Knoxville. I have used them for years before I had my Tige to service my Century Bronco I/O, once to replace the rotted transom. In all cases Sea Ray has treated me well and I find no compelling reason to change. The engine in my Tige is the Mercruiser engine and Sea Ray is a Mercruiser dealer.

I cannot speak for Travis Marine but Sea Ray of Knoxville gets my Okey Dokey. Oh, and they are simply a dealer that sells Sea Rays and is not part of the Sea Ray corporation which is headquartered in Knoxville.

[Guapo]

Ray...thanks for the input...I'll be knew to that area so all help is appreciated.

[Domsz06]

When I had my boat in Cali I just used a 100 watt bulb in the engine bay. I also had a extra weather station in there and monitored the temp. ON the coldest days (26) the bulb would keep the engine bay at 50. and the boat just had a cover on it.

But like others said, just drain the blocks and then don't worry about it. I also drained mine and never had a concern.