Operation Considerations
You will be fleet ready if you follow a few guidelines: heat,
storage, monitor and test
Heat: Many customers have reported that their
BoatSafe® heaters operate more efficiently when
they cover the bilge blower vents on the boat. Some cover the vents by
stuffing rags or foam rubber into them. Others use plastic and tape to
cover the vents. The best method we have found is to have a canvas or
upholstery shop make simple and inexpensive snap-on covers to fit over
the vents. Remove the vent covers when using your boat and replace them
when you are done. This will keep cold, damp winter wind out of the
engine compartment and allow the heater to perform to its full
potential. Additionally, it is recommended that you do not mount the
heater directly in front of the bilge blower vents, even if the vents
are covered, to minimize heat escaping through the vents.
Storage:A boat stored on a lift will get much colder
than a boat stored in the water. If you store your boat on a lift, you
should cover the bilge blower vents AND the outdrive unit. Again, a
canvas or upholstery shop can make a cover for the outdrive unit that
snaps shut at the top. Or, you can use a heavy mil plastic garbage bag
to slip over the outdrive unit and tie off at the top. This will
minimize heat dissipation from the metal of the outdrive unit.
Monitor: should monitor the temperature ranges in
your engine compartment. This can easily be accomplished by installing a
min/max thermometer and checking it each time you visit your boat. Since
heat rises, the best placement of a thermometer is in the lowest point
of the engine compartment on the side opposite the heater. RadioShack®
sells a small min/max thermometer in the $20.00 - $30.00 price range. A
min/max thermometer is also available through the Mariner-Store.com.
Test:The BoatSafe® engine
compartment heaters should be tested at least biannually and especially
at the start of your cold season. Testing should be performed with
Freeze spray or beginning with the 2008 BSAT 750 Watt heater, with the
Press Test button. Boatsafe® heaters no longer
ship with Freeze spray since the spray itself is a shipping hazard. It
can be purchased at RadioShack®, an authorized
Boatsafe® dealer or through the
Mariner-Store.com.
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With the FootprintChoice®
option available on 2008 BSAT 750 Watt heaters, any
orientation of the heater is possible. Mounting the heater
horizontally as low as possible is the optimal thermodynamic
orientation, but other orientations may be better suited for
tight spaces. Remember, hot air rises so lower is better!
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