Can Iuse my reverse cycle ac/heater during the winter?

[goodfortune]

I plan to keep my boat in the water through the winter. I will do all the necessary winterizing of the engine and onboard systems. My question is the following: <br /><br />Would it be possible to run my reverse cycle AC/Heater system through the winter, keeping the thermostat at 40 degrees, to keep the interior from freezing? Or is this not possible due to the fact the system has a hull-thru connection that normally gets sealed during winterization? Any questions. The boat is a 34' cabin powerboat.<br /><br />Any suggestions or alternatives???<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Bob

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Can Iuse my reverse cycle ac/heater during the winter?

Go to a marine store and buy an engine heater. They come on about 40*, and turn off at about 45*. Not cheap, but they're made for the purpose.

 

[imported_scott_m]

Re: Can Iuse my reverse cycle ac/heater during the winter?

I've seen the water discharge line freeze up on units that were left running when I lived in Atlanta (Lake Lanier) - this usually happened when it got into the teens or colder.<br /><br />The reverse cycle unit really loses its efficiency when the water temps start getting much below say 45 or so. I think you'd do better with an engine room (Boatsafe) heater and if you want to use the boat, bring along a small space heater.

 

[goodfortune]

Re: Can Iuse my reverse cycle ac/heater during the winter?

Thanks guys. I'm going to look into the engine room heater.