Shore power on trailer

[Jfrano]

So any issues with staying connected to shore power on trailer during the winter in NJ?
Thinking of running dehumidifiers and heater in cabin and cockpit .
Boat will be covered by canvas; should I open lazerrete and engine hatch to circulate dry warm air?

Thanks

 

[Bosn Mate]

Our boat is in Dennis Township, NJ stored for the winter on the trailer and covered by a tarp. We had a 30 AMP shore-tie connection installed outside the garage. With this, we are able to provide power to the boat for the battery charger and outlets for an engine room heater and 2 warm air circulators.

No issues through 2 winters.

Mike

 

[scross]

We are starting our fifth winter with the boat on shore power in the driveway. Granted Southern Oregon is probably not as cold as NJ winters - getting down to single digits is about as cold as we get. We get about 2’ of snow and 20” of rain over the winter and spring months.
The boat’s fresh water plumbing, holding tanks, engine cooling, etc. are fully winterized following factory recommend process. We use one Calframo True North heater set to automatic at 38 degrees in the cabin, two Calframo Stor-Mor dehumidifiers running full time in the cabin and a Golden Rod running full time in the engine compartment. The engine compartment is left open to the cabin for better air circulation.
Make sure these heating units are placed in a location where the heat will not cause any problems.
BTW, the boat is not tarped or wrapped. Mast is up per Garmin recommendation.
We are in the boat at least several times each month doing maintenance and upgrades while it’s the driveway. Never had any issues with this process at all.

 

[Todd2]

I live in south Texas = mild winters, but extremely hot and humid summers. I run a Lasko ceramic brick heater in the cabin all winter long. I switch over to a Eurgeen dehumidifier during the summer months with a drain hose through the galley sink drain. (I'm considering running the dehumidifier year round, too.) I continuously keep the fridge on cool also, to deter mold and any smells. It all runs off of the shore power while sitting on the trailer in my driveway. I use plug in safety outlets to shut off power to any device that might start to go bad and pull to much power (heat) - so far, no problems.

I always winterize all systems, but all the water cannot realistically be removed from all the hoses (bilge pump). I do remove the plug, but the cockpit storage/engine compartment covers leak like sieves (no boat cover), so I never know when the bilge has started and left back flow water in the hose (thus, use of an engine compartment heater).

So far, so good. After a couple of seasons, I don't worry about it anymore (knock on wood).

Todd