Reason #4,368 why I dont trust nor believe in engine room heaters as a substitute for proper winterizing in the cold geographical areas. I Had a call yesterday that a clients engine room heat in their Rinker was not working when they went down to do a periodic check on their boat. After investigating that ALL outlets on the starboard side were out, I found Heater was plugged into a GFI outlet and had to go find the one that had the pushbutton (Usually in the head). First thing, if it's a gas boat outlets are not allowed and will be a failure of a survey. Diesels are allowed tho. Dont know when the GFI breaker popped. She thanked me for resetting and showing her where it was located and sent me on my way. Just dont trust em… but we only do what the client asks. Remember. You are trusting anywhere from 30-60k of iron and an upcoming season to enjoy with a 300.00 heater that requires power. It's your decision....
Lee
The reason I drain all water from my motors especially is I was a lineman and line foreman over 30 years and anything can happen you wouldn’t even think of besides a weather event to cause power to go out for unknown amount of time for repairs and marinas are not a priority just something to think about.