magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

[lakeerieboater26]

The fishing is getting good here in N.W. PA but its still getting cold at night. I want to take my boat out but I cant flush the antifreeze out of my boat and I dont have any warm storage. Has anyone used an engine oil heater to keep the block from freezing and cracking? I have one that we got for a caribou hunt in northern quebec and it just attached to the oil pan to keep it from freezing. Just a thought. I am getting spring fever bad !!!!!!!

 

[Viking...]

Re: magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

If it's one of the models that has a built in thermostat, then I don't see why it wouldn't work...for part of the engine at least.
The trouble is, you want to keep more than just the oil pan/lower block from freezing.

There is a product that warms and circulates the coolant/anti-freeze (prestone), which might be a better alternative.
It's basically a small pump/heater combination you connect inline to a coolant hose, then plug into a 120v plug.

Hope that helps.

 

[Don S]

Re: magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

Learn how to drain your engines cooling system, it usually only takes 15 minutes or less and then you have nothing to worry about. That way you can drain it right at the ramp when you pull it out of the water (and it's warm).
If you drive too long and it's too cold, you could end up cracking the block before you get back to the heater.

 

[lakeerieboater26]

Re: magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

yea, its kinda risky. I guess i will just have to wait a few more weeks. thanks guys

 

[Don S]

Re: magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

There is nothing wrong with draining, people do that all the time so they can fish and hunt during the winter.
You aren't needing a full winterization, just drain the cooling system and have fun with your boat.

 

[Viking...]

Re: magnetic engine oil heater for boat ?

Don's right, of course.
I wonder if the risk isn't minimal at this time of year, but why take the chance.
There's something known as Best Practice for most disciplines, and Don's advice is certainly in that category.