Quick question...marina's & engine room heathers?

Favorite Answer

I would think that it's become an issue with your marina's insurance. However , I think it creates issues beyond UL approval. If they banned all heaters, and a fire results from a "illegal" heater, would they hold you and your insurance responsible, for all damages?

I assume that if you are aboard, that you can use heaters to keep warm? Are they saying no heaters at anytime?

In truth I've never liked engine room heaters, but i can see your reasoning.

I would certainly let the marina management know your feelings and even send a letter signed by other slip holders. Perhaps, copying the insurance company. I don't think it will result in a change of heart, but you never know.

Edit: I live-aboard so the heat loss from the cabin keeps my bilge above freezing. I was thinking, that if you use your Marineair at it's lowest heat setting and run a temporary duct (hose) to the bilge, and do so only when the weather is at or below freezing. Other than electrical cost, it would serve the same purpose. In fact I insulated the floor on my boat to cut down on my cabin heat lost, but the engine compartment is still staying above freezing in winter. (Baltimore Harbor) I do block off the vent hoses and I have fuel injected engines so no fumes when just sitting. I keep my fuel tanks nearly dry during winter. That cuts down on E10 fuel problems. I can deal with a little condensation....Show more

That sounds difficult to argue, as if the Marina's insurance company has specifically excluded engine room heaters they may not have any room to move on it and still have any cover at all - regardless of your private insurance. I think we all know how good insurance companies are at finding exceptions and exclusions when it's time to make a claim - ignoring this one would be a free goal as far as they are concerned so sadly you are probably stuck with it.

We are very lucky where I am (Australia), gets cold enough from time to time down south, but a couple of incandescent light bulbs in batten fittings, or infra-red heat lamps pointed at the critical bits seems to be sufficient. Bit rough if they mean normal comfort heating on a live aboard though - if this Marina allows living aboard that is....Show more

Hey Boatin. Well I do think it is the direct result of the marinas insurance co. They lucked out that the entire place did not go up in flames and now want to lower the risk. You could try to argue it but I doubt you would win. I used to put them in boats at work and the biggest problem was power failure in the bad winter. Having the heater gives a false sense of security when it gets cold. So even though we left many of the boats in we winterized them evey time we used them. Have a good winter!...Show more