Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing?
- Thread starter Wisp
- Start date
Re: Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
Small 12v DC computer fan that draws about .07 amps and circulates cabin temp to bilges.
Chief
Small 12v DC computer fan that draws about .07 amps and circulates cabin temp to bilges.
Chief
im pretty sure if the inside of the boat is warm enough for comfortable human habitation, the pipes wont freeze... there is generally enough heat loss thru the fiberglass to keep things from freezing in the compartment on the other side
but if you are worried, open the access doors and let some of the cold out and some heat in, from the cabin area....
also the engine area... it doesnt have to be warm, but all you got to do is keep it above 33degrees and there should be no worries at all...
Re: Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
Also For piece of mind just install a small cheap, remote thermometer and keep an eye out along with what's mentioned previously I'm sure you'll be okay.
Also For piece of mind just install a small cheap, remote thermometer and keep an eye out along with what's mentioned previously I'm sure you'll be okay.
How can liquid water (the stuff you are floating in) freeze pipes? It cannot. However, pipes in the bow and transom spaces can and will freeze, even with some heat, if there is no circulation.
So long as you run any heat in the boat it is a non-problem. I've been a float many years in this area, and water in the bilge NEVER freezes.
Running a bubbler (as needed only) is a good idea for live-aboards, in my opinion, as it chases the ice away from the boat, making for quieter nights.
So long as you run any heat in the boat it is a non-problem. I've been a float many years in this area, and water in the bilge NEVER freezes.
Running a bubbler (as needed only) is a good idea for live-aboards, in my opinion, as it chases the ice away from the boat, making for quieter nights.
Re: Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
What made you liveaboard? Do you have a home/apartment outside of the boat? Do you work? How many hours/day do you plan on spending on the boat? What will you do? I'm very intrigued and hope to one day do the same
What made you liveaboard? Do you have a home/apartment outside of the boat? Do you work? How many hours/day do you plan on spending on the boat? What will you do? I'm very intrigued and hope to one day do the same
Re: Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
Wisp,
IF the 49 is like my 42, the only risky things are the transom shower...I put a set of valves to bypass and blew the lines out with an air compressor, when we lived in the area.
Otherwise the chargers and such will generate enough heat for most times. The open bilges and fans work well and are very inexpensive
Wisp,
IF the 49 is like my 42, the only risky things are the transom shower...I put a set of valves to bypass and blew the lines out with an air compressor, when we lived in the area.
Otherwise the chargers and such will generate enough heat for most times. The open bilges and fans work well and are very inexpensive
Re: Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
just a word of caution here ...if it gets to cold on the boat and you decide to use an open flame heater to keep things warm DO NOT LEAVE IT ON WHILE SLEEPING and while you are at it get a co monitor for the boat if it gets cold enough to have to do things like this it put one in grave danger of having an early death ...stay warm but stay alive
just a word of caution here ...if it gets to cold on the boat and you decide to use an open flame heater to keep things warm DO NOT LEAVE IT ON WHILE SLEEPING and while you are at it get a co monitor for the boat if it gets cold enough to have to do things like this it put one in grave danger of having an early death ...stay warm but stay alive
Winter Live aboard - How to keep the pipes from freezing
?
Average freezing point 28 deg. F.
When it's sea water
? Average freezing point 28 deg. F.
Thanks all!
Most of the folks I talked to at my current marina made some more drastic recommendations but everything here seems much more measured and reassuring.
I think this weekend I'll drain the cockpit shower and the forward washdown lines. A remote thermometer is a good idea as well just to help keep an eye on things. Just circulating the warmer cabin air through the bilges may be all I need.
Copy all about CO concerns as well. I have a hard-wired CO detector onboard but I've never tested it. So far I've got three electric heaters onboard for when the reverse cycle heaters can't keep up due to external water temps...and lots of blankets. I'm avoiding any open flame/kerosene heaters.
TS.
Most of the folks I talked to at my current marina made some more drastic recommendations but everything here seems much more measured and reassuring.
I think this weekend I'll drain the cockpit shower and the forward washdown lines. A remote thermometer is a good idea as well just to help keep an eye on things. Just circulating the warmer cabin air through the bilges may be all I need.
Copy all about CO concerns as well. I have a hard-wired CO detector onboard but I've never tested it. So far I've got three electric heaters onboard for when the reverse cycle heaters can't keep up due to external water temps...and lots of blankets. I'm avoiding any open flame/kerosene heaters.
TS.