Winter Engine Space Heating

Wavey

Wavey

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Last winter I put a couple of tubular heaters in the engine space to help protect against freezing weather. I believe they are the type often used in greenhouses. To be honest it didn’t seem to make any appreciable difference given that it’s quite a large area to heat.

Any suggestions for something better, thermostatically controlled so heating only comes on when necessary. Boat is a Broom 42cl and the engine batteries are housed in a long box that sits low down between the engines so a convenient flat surface on which to put something.
 
Likewise I use a long version of these purchased from TLC:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/tcl/search?query=tube+heater&Submit=Search

Although mine has a thermostat, it's very basic so I leave it on high and plug it in to a digital thermostat which I set to come on at 5 degrees:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/tcl/search?query=plug+in+thermostat&Submit=Search

Like you though - I'm never sure how much it really helps when it gets very cold. Blocking up the air intakes probably has a bigger benefit as long as you remember to remove the blockage before using the boat!

Cheers,
Joe
 
jmw said:
Likewise I use a long version of these purchased from TLC:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/tcl/search?query=tube+heater&Submit=Search

Although mine has a thermostat, it's very basic so I leave it on high and plug it in to a digital thermostat which I set to come on at 5 degrees:

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/tcl/search?query=plug+in+thermostat&Submit=Search

Like you though - I'm never sure how much it really helps when it gets very cold. Blocking up the air intakes probably has a bigger benefit as long as you remember to remove the blockage before using the boat!

Cheers,
Joe
Click to expand...
Be cautious with the TLC thermostat plug. In the boat application I have found it very unreliable. I am now using manual plugs off E bay.
 
i just put 6 tube heaters through the boat all connected to a thermostat thats set to come on sub 5 degrees. 2 in the aft cabin, 2 in the forward cabin and one under each engine. weather it's totally needed, i'm unsure but at least it keeps and moisture and mildew at bay over the winter when she's out of the water.
 
rafiki_ said:
Be cautious with the TLC thermostat plug. In the boat application I have found it very unreliable. I am now using manual plugs off E bay.
Click to expand...

Hi,

Another thing about this product IPX4 protection may be questionable boat plane status vs IP55 with my earlier link heater with built-in thermostat disconnection over heating

NBs
 
Thanks for your replies. The tube type heaters are what I’ve currently got. I just wondered if anyone had come up with an alternative which might provide a bit more heat. If it was really cold enough to do damage to the engines I doubt tubular heaters would be powerful enough to make much difference.

Mind you though, if the recent Met Office predictions are right we won’t be needing heaters soon ��.
 
I use tube heater in my 33ft sterndrive boat engine bay which is quite spacious - probably bigger than a Broom engine bay - and probably not as well insulated as your Broom as my engines are under the rear cockpit.
I also have the B&Q temperature controlled plug in thing which records max and min temperatures and it recorded nothing lower than 4 degrees last winter . It is set to switch the heater on at 5 degrees.
Therefore a tube heater is fine. You don't need to heat the engine bay simply prevent freezing temperatures .
 
I use the B&Q temperature operated mains switches on tube heaters on my boat but I have the switches set to come on at 7 degrees. I've always felt the tubes take a while to heat up and if set to low the temperature might dip below freezing before the tube heaters could impact the space.

The extra electricity probably means another £100 on the yearly boat bill, not worth worrying about.
 
Tube heaters in general work fine. If you wire in a Honeywell frost stat which only breaks the live it, works well and is possibly more accurate than a standard room stat at low temperatures.Like most I use a dehumidifier on a timer for 2 hours a day which really does keep things dry. I have a heater called a Coldwatcher set very low in the front cabin and leave the doors open. Belt and braces I know but only used£18 in electric last year.
 
I have two small oil filled radiators, each with a built in thermostat
One on the floor in the galley and one in the engine bay

Cost around £15 per month but could be more if it got really cold
 
Sneds said:
I have two small oil filled radiators, each with a built in thermostat
One on the floor in the galley and one in the engine bay

Cost around £15 per month but could be more if it got really cold
Click to expand...

This is what we have Jim in our 42CL.

I wanted something with a bit more power should we get really cold temperatures, being 3.5 hours from our mooring I can't just 'nip down'.

You can use one with an external thermostat as described or with a built in Thermostat we have one of each. One under the rear steps accessing the back of the engines and one at the front accessed by the forward port hatch in the floor accessing the Seacock.

With built in thermostat along the lines of this https://jland.partners/2qxWXmc
 
As has already been said, they don’t need to make an appreciable difference in temperature rature Jim, just enough stop things freezing. We have had a couple of tubular heaters in most of our boats, including the 41 and they have done the job.
 
Last edited:
gjgm said:
The reviews of the b and q one don't inspire much confidence!
Click to expand...

Agree, all I can say is my experience is different...it has been realiable for the last few years, just need to make sure the battery is fitted properly and replaced when required i.e. annually. It is certainly more realiable than the TLC one.
 
I use one of these:

https://www.xtremeheaters.com/rotation

Mains powered, thermostatically driven to blow air onto my engine block if the temp drops near freezing. It’s ignition protection tested / certified and also has (US) Military certification.

I bought it years ago (shipped from the states) and have moved it from boat to boat as I upgrade.

I also use a thermostatic tube heater to keep the engine bay nice and warm (ish); with the other blower kicking in if there is an extreme event.
 
First winter for me .. have a Petrol 5.7 .. was wondering about the Petrol fumes as the tube warms up or is there a spark/click etc .. as I was told to put the blower on before stayrting the engine to clear vapours .. totally new to this haha
 
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