De-icers

[dlewis812]

leaving the boat in the water (cat 25) at our dock which is in protected inlet. planning to install a De-icer.

going to buy either kasco or taylor made (.5HP). has anyone used either that could recommend?

(this is all assuming that one is ok with leaving the boat in and ok with using a de-icer!!)

 

[Ed Schenck]

Our marina uses Kasco's for the liveaboard boats. Maybe a call to them at Harbor North on Lake Erie? http://www.harbornorth.com/
Cheaper to just feed the ducks.

 

[thinwater]

Kasco is well proven

I use them commercially in waste treatment ponds, and typically get 4-6 years of 24/7/365 service.

I have one I have used on boats and it is over 15 years old.

The main causes of failure are:
* Drop it and break the prop, easy to do when it is cold. $26.
* Rope breaks and motor shell/can rubs against a rock/dock/concrete untill it punctures and water gets into the motor. The ropes should be well chafe protected, since they vibrate continuously when running. Hollow webbing works best. The rope the they come with is cheap polypro and replacement with 1/2-inch polyester yacht braid is a good idea.

Can't say about Manahattan. With a relativly warm ocean, should be OK. I would talk to old-timers in the marina.

 

[Sanfelice]

Bubblers

I can't comment on which brand to use. I leave my boat in over the winter with no problems. The issue you need to address is whether your insurance will cover any damage due to freezing. The only company I could find was Boat U.S. insurance and there is a specific rider for leaving your boat in. It is only about $20.00 so not a big deal. Make sure you get coverage in writing and not just take brokers word for it.

 

[shemandr]

I don't know bubblers either. I am curious if West Creek froze last year - I remember a thread about that. I gather that if you're looking for a bubbler, it did. Any problems with your boat?

 

[dlewis812]

andrew,

i did bring this up last year, ended up just taking the boat out. this year leaving in.

not sure that west neck froze and if so assume not too bad. planning on the de-icer from the neighbor's advise. even though he takes his out (powerboat) he has one to protect the dock and highly recommended (?).

i also have my 30 that i decided to leave in; at worlds fair marina in queens. they don't have any bubbler system in place and don't seem to be concerned with the ice (have about 70 boats in the water).

so, guess not sure what to do (given that i'm definitely leaving in at this point)