Which frost thermostat

[gordontytler]

This will be my first winter leaving a boat in water. I have two 150W tube heaters that I intened to place under the diesel engines close to the stern glands and cooling ports. But I don't want to leave them on all the time. Where can I get at thermostat that will come on at about 2 C ?

Also, is it a good idea to leave my Webasto heater permanently switched on at the lowest setting? Someone may have suggested this on another thread.

 

[Who]

I bought two of these recently.

One in the Saloon and one in the engine bay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200773440973

You can visually see the temperature and set it via a manual dial. Just feels better than an electronic stat.

 

[rafiki_]

You could look at TLC, they do a thermostatic plug, ET05, about £15 ish iirc. I have 2 on Rafiki, the engine bay and saloon.

 

[David2452]

Also, is it a good idea to leave my Webasto heater permanently switched on at the lowest setting? Someone may have suggested this on another thread.

There is a specific frost stat available as an accessory from Webasto but we normally only fit them on coolant based systems.

 

[lanerboy]

You could look at TLC, they do a thermostatic plug, ET05, about £15 ish iirc. I have 2 on Rafiki, the engine bay and saloon.

i have these and they seem to be working just as i wished

 

[Matt341]

I have previously used the TLC stat which seemed to work as it should.

I now have 1 tube heater on in the wheelhouse set on a time switch rather than a frost stat. Simply so I can regulate the amount of power consumed. The heater isn't being used to protect ice damage just to keep the boat condensation free so have it set for 5 hours per day. Only an 80w heater though.

I found with the frost stat that the heater would often be on permanently in cold weather, obviously this is needed if the heater is protecting against frost damage but could work out quite costly depending on how much you pay for electricity.

Ian

 

[U4]

is it a good idea to leave my Webasto heater permanently switched on at the lowest setting?

Umm, no I dont think it is, I am sure that someone with a bit more knowledge that me is going to come along in a sec but I personally wouldn't leave mine on.

 

[U4]

Umm, no I dont think it is, I am sure that someone with a bit more knowledge that me is going to come along in a sec but I personally wouldn't leave mine on.

B&Q sell the frost thermostats by the way, they are quite cheap.

 

[JKay]

B&Q sell the frost thermostats by the way, they are quite cheap.

+1 got mine there

 

[rafiki_]

i have these and they seem to be working just as i wished

The only issue I have with these is that they need to be regularly charged during the summer when not in use, or their internal battery can fail. TLC is very good at replacing faulty units though.

 

[gordontytler]

It is seriously cold tonight - even in my house. I smashed some old furnature but its all burnt now.

Unfortunately I left the hatches off the engine compartment a few days ago whilst installing a fuel filter for the webasto so need to sort this tomorrow. The TLC looks exactly like the one I got from B&Q to put in my daughter's stick insect cage. I will go there tomorrow. According to google, Screwfix may have something similar to stop pipes freezing.

It seems from this forum that a few people have experts they rely on for diesel heaters such as the Wesbasto Airtop 2000.

Once I get the tube heaters working I will ask my expert Andy at motorhomeandcaravanservicing@gmail.com - he completely rebuilt my heater for a very reasonable price and gave loads of advice. He will know if it can be left on.

Indeed, Matt is probably right saying the heaters will be on all the time. However, I am hoping the wheel house floor sound insulation will trap warm air. I will block the engine room air vents too.

All of this can be unplugged quickly if I want to go down the Thames eastury

 

[Cashbuyer]

I know some owners in our marina are using their Webastos/Eberspachers on timers. Keeps the boat aired I suppose but doubt if it helps with freezing in the bilges.

 

[gordontytler]

I got the Horstmann HRT3. £10 from screwfix. It comes on at 5C.

 

[Spi D]

To cope with environment you may check equipment for greenhouse frost protection. Several with built-in thermostats to keep it just above freezing.

 

[David2452]

Umm, no I dont think it is, I am sure that someone with a bit more knowledge that me is going to come along in a sec but I personally wouldn't leave mine on.

I agree if using the usual controls, but the correct Webo frost stat which is not adjustable and comes on at 3 deg from memory is fine and used quite a bit. have never fitted one to a forced air system but not uncommon on TTCs and T90s

 

[sailorman]

The only issue I have with these is that they need to be regularly charged during the summer when not in use, or their internal battery can fail. TLC is very good at replacing faulty units though.

I am on my second winter with the TLC.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In..._Menu_Index/Therostats_All/Therm_1/index.html

 

[rafiki_]

I am on my second winter with the TLC.
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In..._Menu_Index/Therostats_All/Therm_1/index.html

I have used the ET05's for 4 years, and TLC have probably changed 4 or 5 that have stopped working. No probs with TLC, as their customer service is spot on. I now keep them plugged in over the summer, that appears to prolong their life.

 

[Bilgediver]

The only issue I have with these is that they need to be regularly charged during the summer when not in use, or their internal battery can fail. TLC is very good at replacing faulty units though.

Mine from B and Q has an AAA battery. It is a 13 amp plug type and can be set from 0C to 40C . It looks just like an electronic timer!

 

[Scubadoo]

I have used the ET05's for 4 years, and TLC have probably changed 4 or 5 that have stopped working. No probs with TLC, as their customer service is spot on. I now keep them plugged in over the summer, that appears to prolong their life.

+1 TLC great but the ET05 didn't last long for me. I now use one from B&Q and it has been fine for several years now.

 

[cliffdale]

I've got my frost stat set to 8 degrees. I would say setting it to 2 degrees if on the low side.

For the cost of 150 Watts, its worth keeping the boat cosy. Last years winter leccy bill came to £35.00, (November to early March).

This covered the 150 Watt tube and dehumidifier. BTW, de humidifier was set to a timer for day time use only.

Cliff