General Winterizing Questions

[Bel Canto]

I am considering winterizing our CW30. Only considering because sub 32 temperatures are rare. In the 20s is very rare. Typically we freeze for just a few hours at a time. Is there a way, not having electricity, to keep the engine compartment a little warm? I have considered a single light bulb off the inverter, overnight only in the engine compartment. I believe that the cabin will retain enough heat to withstand low 30s, but welcome comments.

I always watch the weather, but also have the genset and A/C to winterize. On top of that, I am down to one hand, temporarily, and there are few marine techs around.

We are on a trailer.

 

[Capt’nKarl]

I've used a few of the chemical hand/foot warmers spread around the engine compartment to add a few degrees of warmth. You can buy a case of them from Amazon and they're not too expensive. As rare as you mentioned your cold weather happens this could be a simple solution

Stay warm

CaptnKarl

 

[Levitation]

Since your freezing temps in the 20's are usually only a few hours overnight and well predicted these days I would consider (in the absence of electricity) a small propane bottle radiant heater such as Mr. Buddy or Mr. heater. Or a propane camping light either single mantle or double mantle.

 

[Gin]

How ever you decide to provide a little "electricity-less" heat to the engine compartment, consider blocking the vents to the engine area. Without them blocked, what warmth you provide to the engine compartment will quickly draft up and out. I'm not sure where they will be on your boat. The factory can tell you. On our R27 tug, blocking those areas makes a big difference in terms of how easily the bilge heater keeps up with the cold.

Gini

 

[Bel Canto]

Thanks, there were a couple of good ideas in there. We typically only see 20s once in 10 years. Mostly 30-32 for a few hours. Anything over 4-5 hours might have me working, but it is very rare. I might heat the cabin with propane, if I am there, but that won't work for the engine room.