Is this a stupid idea?

[alwayssummer]

So getting ready for the upcoming season the CFO has decided we need a heater this year. Searching through the forums over on TMC I saw something very interesting. There was a thread about adding seat heaters to your boat. No one actually did it to my knowledge but I know the newer boats have them as an option. In the thread there was a link to this http://www.aptuned.com/250-1870. Easy enough, right?

So my question, I guess, is would seat heaters be a good replacement for the standard heater? I like the idea of not having to have the engine running but I wonder how fast four of them going at once would kill the battery. Anybody have seat heaters?

[duffymahoney]

I have a 4 port heater and it makes a giant difference, seat heaters would be nice, but would be pretty costly to install since all the fabric would need to be removed and then re-installed. But it would be neat!

[alwayssummer]

I'm not too worried about install as I just redid my interior myself( pics coming soon). Is the 4 port a heatercraft? I thought I only saw a 3 port for like $750 ish. Also since we're on the subject, is the circulation pump something I should get if I go the heater route?

[Bryan]

I don't know man... I'm having a hard time thinking sitting on an electric seat heater in wet clothes is a good idea... I've had to replace the heat pads in my vehicle because the wires crack and break from constant moving and flexing. As stated, install would be costly and then your gonna have wires to deal with every time you want to remove seats to clean or access underseat storage or anything like that.. How is that handled with the new boats? Quick connects? Again, another place for water to contact electric..

[alwayssummer]

So after doing some more trolling on TMC, guys love it. Apparently Malibu has been doing it since '03 but only in the captains chair. Good point Bryan on the wires breaking. We had a grand Cherokee that had 6 splices in the door jam because of just that. I'm not so concerned with the water issue on the element. I think I have figured a way around that. I just might have to give it a try. Worst case, I'm out $50. And if it doesn't work then the misses will get her heater.

[chpthril]

MC has offered in both the captains and observer seat for a few years now. IMO, 3 vent heater all the way. A pull out tube can warm up a passenger in any seat where as a heated seat heats only one but at a time.

[Surf406]

every boat ive owned and also the new one coming in all have the 3 vent heater in them, only way to go imho.

[gwhite94]

I think the seat heater will keep your backside warm but not much else. I would just pull the trigger on a 3 vent heater. Might as well start the season making the CFO happy...

[BJM]

My vote would be the vent heater with the pull outs. You can warm up pretty quick after a run if you wrap yourself in a towel and drop that vent inside. The floor vents are nice to warm your feet back up while you are driving.

But I guess it depends on what you are after. If it is just a toasty seat for a cruise then the seat heaters would be nice. If you are looking for a fast way to warm up, I don't think they would accomplish that.

[alwayssummer]

Any verdict on the circulation pump. Yay or nay. I don't even know what it's for

[Captainkurk72]

a group buy on heatercraft would be nice right about now. Mine has everything but the heater. apparently had a 4 port at one time.

[alwayssummer]

I agree completely. The more I think about the heated seat thing, yeah that was a dumb idea.

[lancehon]

How about a 3 port heater and a heated shower in the transom? My first boat had a heated shower and it was awesome! Nothing like a hot shower to get a quick warm up. And also a great way to warm up wetsuits and gloves

[Bassman]

We use the heater more than I thought we would. It was already on the boat when I bought it. It's a 3 outlet system (one of which is a pull out hose). The kids like love it.......and um... So do i

[g-mantrix]

I have a 2port heater RZR, 1 pull out in walk way and my young bloke loves it even on a warm day
The other port vent located below windscreen is a ridiculous location, I plan to relocate at foot level drivers seat with a pull out
Anyone else done this?


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