Let me start by saying this Kasco Deicer is a BEAST. I’ve used it for two winters now to protect my dock and boat, and it absolutely delivers on its promise of keeping ice at bay. The 3/4 HP motor moves an impressive amount of water, creating a reliable ice-free zone even during sub-zero temperatures.

The installation was straightforward - just hang it with the included ropes and plug it in. Though I will say, if you're mounting it to a dock, the optional steel stand might be worth considering. The vibration can be intense (this thing means business!), and I did have some issues with pipes wiggling loose until I switched to a single-piece setup.

Performance-wise? Phenomenal. It kept a 50-foot diameter around my dock completely ice-free, which was actually more coverage than I needed (my neighbors' fishermen weren't thrilled!). The directional flow really does pull up warmer bottom water effectively. However - fair warning - this power comes at a cost. My first electric bill after continuous use made my eyes water worse than lake-effect wind.

Here's what I learned: You don't need to run it 24/7. Adding the C10 thermostat (sold separately) was a game-changer, letting the unit cycle on only when needed. This cut my energy use dramatically while still maintaining protection. The build quality feels industrial-grade, though some users report units failing after just a few seasons - mine's still going strong.

For summer use, bonus discovery: It works great for keeping weeds away from my boathouse! Just be mindful in shallow areas - it needs at least 15 inches of water depth.

The 100-foot cord is generous, but I wish the suspension ropes were detachable for cleaner dock mounting. At nearly $1,000, this is an investment - but when you compare it to potential ice damage repairs or cheaper units that fail quickly, the Kasco proves its worth for serious marine applications.