Are you concerned about your boat's safety during a cold snap? Although Portable Boat Heaters may work fine when cruising on the lake with friends, you still need a way to protect your boat's most critical systems. When it's too chilly to make the most of your time on the water, you also need to consider keeping your engine compartment dry and warm without risking accidental fires when left unattended.  

How Do Portable Boat Heaters Work?

Portable boat heaters usually work by burning a fuel source, such as a small propane tank, and using the resulting heat to warm the interior of the boat. Some portable heaters run on some type of battery and also use a fan to keep the warm air circulating through your vessel.

One of the perks of portable heaters is how easy they are to move around your boat or store when not in use. They also come in different sizes to fit the needs of your boats. 

Are Portable Boat Heaters Dangerous?

Portable boat heaters may warm your boat and offer convenience, but they can be dangerous when left unattended. When heaters get too hot, they can spark a fire, especially when left unattended. An estimated 4,000 pleasure vessels fall victim to either fire or explosion every year, with a significant factor being portable heaters.

Xtreme Heaters work differently to keep your boat and loved ones safe. Our heaters' fixed thermostats are factory-set to turn on your heaters at 40° Fahrenheit (+/-3°) and off at 50°F. Xtreme Heaters relies on self-regulating technology to adjust as needed. The results? Our heaters keep your boat bilge space safely in the high 30s to mid-40s despite below-freezing temperatures outside.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is also an issue with portable boat heaters. Using a traditional heater in an enclosed area that is not adequately ventilated could produce dangerous levels of CO, which can lead to illness or death. Xtreme Heaters are safe to use and leave unattended.

What About Keeping Your Bilge Warm?

Above all else, it's essential to protect your boat's critical systems, including the engine. When an engine freezes or is left unattended during winter, mold and damage ensue. Instead, a boat heater keeps the compartment warm and dry to prevent damage. 

Xtreme Heaters makes self-regulating heaters that automatically turn on at 40°F and off at 55°F +/-3°, which is the tightest tolerance available. The automated technology makes our products safe and impossible to overheat. 

Our heaters are also independently tested to meet the ignition protection requirements of the ABYC E11, the USCG, ISO 8846, and SAE J1171 and to satisfy military standards.

However, if your priority is keeping your boat warm while out on the water, you may need a comprehensive heating system that safely warms your boat. Just make sure you never leave it unattended and protect all areas of your boat.

What About Winterization Services?

Winterization services are ideal if you plan to take your boat out of the water during the year's coldest months. Winterization services may also be necessary to avoid damage during a sudden cold snap, even if you decide to put pull your boat back out of the water during spring when the worst of the cold water is already past.

Beyond drying your boat to ensure drops of freezing water don't expand and crack, you also need an engine compartment heater. Xtreme Heaters are affordable and don't require complicated drilling into various areas of your boat and installing hose clamps and heater hoses. Instead, you keep your engine area dry and mold-free without worrying about overheating. 

Next Steps

Are you ready to find a good alternative to portable boat heaters? Protect your vessel with an affordable, efficient, safe boat storage heater. Browse our entire selection today from small to extra large, or get in touch to find out which heater will work best for your size boat.