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While I await the date to lock the build on my R30, I wonder whether the Cockpit Heater is a worthwhile option. We boat late and early season and simply close the windshield and doors when boating in cooler temps. I wonder whether the Cockpit Heater actually provides much benefit. Can anyone that has this option weigh in as to whether you find it worthwhile? Where are the vents for the heat as I have not found any pics? Thanks

I ordered it on my yet to be delivered R30 but don’t know yet. Wife is happy I did and since she gave me no grief about ordering the boat, the heater seemed like a small price to pay.

I have that option on our older 360. There's only one (maybe two) supply vents. Without the full enclosure on, it really doesn't heat the cockpit unless you're right in front of the vent.

MBSOB wrote: Wed Feb 23, 2022 9:24 pm I ordered it on my yet to be delivered R30 but don’t know yet. Wife is happy I did and since she gave me no grief about ordering the boat, the heater seemed like a small price to pay.

I can certainly relate. My wife is very supportive but it comes with certain concessions (like a black arch, soft trac mat, smaller engines, etc.) Compromise is the key to marriage I am told.

Holy Smokes wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 10:37 am I have that option on our older 360. There's only one (maybe two) supply vents. Without the full enclosure on, it really doesn't heat the cockpit unless you're right in front of the vent.

That only makes sense and is what I was afraid of. I think that I will stick with the more traditional and free option (closed windshield and companion way doors). Thanks for the feedback.

Grand Lake Bum wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 5:49 pm

Holy Smokes wrote: Thu Feb 24, 2022 10:37 am I have that option on our older 360. There's only one (maybe two) supply vents. Without the full enclosure on, it really doesn't heat the cockpit unless you're right in front of the vent.

That only makes sense and is what I was afraid of. I think that I will stick with the more traditional and free option (closed windshield and companion way doors). Thanks for the feedback.

We ordered on our new R8 as our buddy has it on his Mastercraft. We have large towels or little blankets that we hold down with our feet and create a little hut around the vent. It makes it so warm especially for the littles on the boat. Trust me, your wife will be happy, which then should make you happy!

Crazee Frazees wrote: Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:12 pm

We have large towels or little blankets that we hold down with our feet and create a little hut around the vent. It makes it so warm especially for the littles on the boat. Trust me, your wife will be happy, which then should make you happy!

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+1

I had not thought of the towel/blanket idea. That would keep the heated air from immediately escaping. And yes, if mama aint happy, no one is happy.

They make blankets specially designed to work with the heater hose.

https://www.surfinityco.com/products/he ... t-blanket/


There are more heater blankets if you do a google search on “ski boat heater blanket”.

Thanks for the tip!

I’ve thought about this a fair amount and decided on heated blankets, battery powered. Use them anywhere in the boat or off. If heated seats are an option I think that would be worthwhile.

Heated blankets sound like a great idea and you eliminate the unsightly vent. Need to look into that. I imagine that you can buy a few battery powered heated blankets for cost of the cockpit heater option. LOL

I know the boats are not the same but I ordered the heater option for my 22 R8S. We finally got a chance to use it this past weekend and I would not recommend it for 3 reasons. One, It was sunny and fifty and the heater never got warmer than lukewarm. Two, it has 3 speeds and on high it does not blow very hard. 3, and probably the most important one was that the R8S only comes with 2 vents. One is at the captain's feet and the other is in the starboard bench behind the captain's seat. No vents located on the Port side at all. If I were ordering a R30 I might still look at the option but I would want to know how many vents and where they are located.

My salesman was not sure where the vents are located on the R30. Given your input and the input of others I think that I will pass. Like the heated blankets idea the best. With the ability to easily winterize and de-winterize with the newer Volvo blocks, I hope to prolong the boating season a bit.

Fwiw I saw a demo of the cockpit heater and it pulls out like a long heated tube. It wasn’t just a vent. Maybe they changed that.