Although conditions change from one climate to another, a
good guide is 4-6 feet deep for vertical installa-
tion
, and slightly shallower in angled operation, but at least 1 foot off the bottom. Operating your De-Icer too
close to the bottom may increase the possibility of debris being picked up, causing the propeller to clog. In
colder climates, warmer water is a more important factor than surface circulation, so you may wish to install
your De-Icer deeper than the above guide lines. De-Icers generally will work in shallower water, but are less
effective and due to the constraints of your installation, you may have to settle for a shallower installation. It
is recommended that you experiment with more than one possible location for the best installation results.
STEP THREE
When you have determined both your De-Icing objectives and best installation points, it is time to analyze
what external constraints your De-Icing location (structures, i.e., dock, boat, etc.) may have that could affect
the flow of warmer water at the surface. Any obstruction at the surface of the water may slow or stop the flow
of warmer water. A natural current, such as in a river, will tend to force your De-Icing efforts downstream.
Once you have determined your external constraints, you can choose your installation point(s). Some useful
tricks you may wish to consider are:
•
De-Ice from the upstream side and let the current help, rather than hinder.
•
Boats are designed to allow water to flow from the bow to the stern with the least resistance. It is generally
easier to De-Ice a boat by installing the De-Icer at or near the bow, angled to push the De-Icing flow of wa-
ter toward the stern.
•
It is generally easier to De-Ice a shallow area by bringing the warmer water from a deeper area into the
shallow area. Angle your De-Icer from the deeper water toward the shallow water.
•
When using more than one unit, it is better to angle all units in one direction, creating a current rather than
installing De-Icers in opposing directions.
•
In tidal waters, split the difference in water depth so the De-Icer is in shallow water at low tide and deep
water at high tide. If you are De-Icing a boat, it is easier to tie your De-Icer to the boat and allow the boat
and De-Icer to rise and fall with the tide together.
STEP FOUR
When installing your Kasco De-Icer for suspended operation with the provided ropes, make sure the ropes or
suspension lines are spread at least 8 to 10 feet apart. The high starting torque of your Kasco De-Icer may
cause suspension lines that are too close together to twist up and possibly damage the electrical power cord.
Tie each rope with a secure knot from the dock piling, cleat, boat etc. so the De-Icer hangs vertically.
Angling your Kasco De-Icer with suspension operation can be accomplished easily by simply changing the
mounting location of one suspension line. There is no need to remove the knot and splice of the rope, simply
change the point at which the line leaves the propeller cage by looping the rope around the top circular band
over 1 to 4 vertical cage wires (more than 4 not recommended. This will move the support lines off center
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