Newbie question about block heater for my Hatteras 55C

[cenger]

It’s getting cold in Connecticut and I’d like to use the boat a bit more before layup. My Detroit 12v71’s do not have block heaters. So far the boat has had no problems starting with temps in th 50’s but I would like to install block heaters ahead of colder weather. Is this a DIY job or something best left to the marina. You tube could not help with this!

 

[Boatsb]

If your asking theres a good chance you dont know what's involved. theres multiple options. The immersion style that go in the waterjacket and the pad heaters that adhere to the outside of the oil pan

The pad heaters are easy to install if you have access to the pan.

 

[SeaEric]

I have Wolverine oil pan heaters on my old 8v53's. I opted for relatively low wattage (250w) on each engine. Access to the bottom of the oil pan was impossible so I prepped and stuck them on the inboard side of each pan. These add just enough warmth to make starting easy and keeps the ER above freezing (with the vents blocked off) even on the coldest windy Winter day. Mine are on 24/7 - 365.

 

[cenger]

Thank you. I like the pad heater idea. Do you recommend 120v using a plug or 240v and wire into box. I'm thinking going to the fuse box in engine rooms is better so I can turn them on and off easily.

 

[Scarlett]

My boat came with plug in heaters, didn’t like that so I wired them to 2 spare breakers on my main panel, much easier. John

 

[jim rosenthal]

120vac is fine, and mine are plugged into a switched receptacle in the engine room- has its own breaker on the panel. 250w might not be enough for those, but I think they make 500w units as well.

I have mine on from about launch, in March or April, into July, then on again in October.

Follow the instructions from Wolverine exactly. No short cuts. And you'll be happy with the results.

On a big engine like the 12-71, you might ask Wolverine about two 250w heaters as opposed to one bigger one.

The coolant heaters require that when installing them, they are in the coolant jacket. Not nearly as easy and somewhat messier. They don't work any better as far as I'm concerned and I've had both.

 

[oscarvan]

https://wolverineheater.com/collections/watercraft

 

[davidwigler]

I added 1000 watt immersion style block heaters and they’re plugged into an adjustable room temperature thermostat. Works great for me.

The plugs in the blocks were a bear to remove after 40 years. Ended up having to drain the coolant so they could be heated gently with a torch. If I had known how hard it would be I might have used the oil pan type, but I was worried they might fall off. Access to the pans is very limited.