How To Keep Boat Bilge From Freezing During Winter On 2022 Sea Ray Runabout

Updated 10/16/2025 | Published 09/30/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Xtreme Heaters RV Basement and Boat Bilge Heater with Quick-Release Bracket - Small - 400 Watts

(1)

$369.00

Xtreme Heaters RV Basement and Boat Bilge Heater with Quick-Release Bracket - Medium - 600 Watts

$419.00

Question:

I’ve got a 22’ Sea Ray runabout with a single I/O engine. Will this 400W XH67FR be enough to keep the bilge from freezing when it’s on the trailer over winter?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

Mark, the 400w heater # XH67FR is sized right for smaller single-engine boats like your Sea Ray, especially when it’s stored in the water. But since you’re keeping it on a trailer, the bilge will get colder and lose heat faster than a boat in the slip. In that case, Xtreme actually recommends either moving up a size to the 600W # XH77FR or using two of the 400W units for extra coverage. If you stick with the 400W, I’d at least cover your vents and outdrive to reduce heat loss.

Do you have shore power where the boat is stored, or are you running off a generator? That’ll help narrow down the best option.

expert reply by: Andrew N

Mark

10/16/2025

Thanks, Andrew. I do have shore power at my storage lot. I just plug in over the winter. Would it be okay to leave two of the 400W heaters running on the same circuit if I go that route?

Andrew N.

10/16/2025

@Mark Yes, you can run two, but each 400W # XH67FR pulls about 5.2 amps when running, so two together will draw around 10.5 amps total. As long as you’re on a 15A breaker, you’ll be within the safe range. Just avoid plugging anything else heavy into that same circuit. If you want a simpler setup, stepping up to one 600W # XH77FR on its own 15A breaker will do the same job with less wiring.