richard wrote:
not so much a cruising question but does anyone have any experience
with those fans that mix up the water called De-icers. Last summer all
the pilings around my dock got stuck in the ice and came up with tide.
This year the river is already freezing and I just bought a De-icer
from West Marine with the idea that I could return it if I decide it is
not for me. One of the problems that I have is that I do not live in
the same state as the dock and can not keep an eye on it. I rent out
this property.
I have already suspended the dock itself out of the water but do not
want the pilings to come out again this year. Any suggestion/comments?
thanks


Yes, they work. In Annapolis where we lived aboard for a few years it
was SOP to turn them on when the temperature dropped. One would keep
about a 60' diameter circle quite ice free. I'm not sure where you
are located and if you'd have to buy more than one for your dock.

They are designed to run unattended for weeks/months at a time. They
draw a fair bit of power (1/2 HP?) so ~500 Watts.

Evan Gatehouse