Does Xtreme Heaters 600 Watt Bilge Heater Stay Plugged in all Winter?

Updated 10/31/2026 | Published 10/30/2026

Question:

I have a 26 foot Sea Ray that we keep on a trailer beside the house during the winter. We don't usually get terribly cold weather, but every now and then the temperature drops below freezing for a few nights. I'm looking at the Xtreme Heaters 600 watt bilge heater # XH968FR and wondering if I can leave it plugged in all winter or if I need to turn it on whenever a cold front comes through

asked by: Tony

Expert Reply:

Hey Tony! Yes, the Xtreme Heaters Boat Bilge Heater # XH968FR is designed to stay plugged in throughout the winter and automatically kick on when the temperature drops, so you won't have to run outside every time a cold front rolls through. It has a built in thermostat that handles that for you, along with a fan that circulates warm air around your engine, hoses, and nearby fittings. You can even check the LED light to see what it's doing. Green means it's standing by, red means it's heating, and amber means the fan is still running while the heater cools down.

I'm curious, Gary, how cold does it typically get where you're storing your Sea Ray?

expert reply by: Heather A