Last year I bought a deicer and boy did it come in handy this year. i got a 3/4hp Kasco and this thing has kept my dock and boat free of ice. they are easy to use and install. http://savvyboater.com/c-55-deicers-ice-eaters.aspx is where i bought mine. I highly recommend one to any of you with that have/had similar problems. Thought I'd share after all this cold/crazy weather we've been having. Best of luck and happy boating.