Ice eaters are very expensive to buy and operate as others have said.
There are two basic models to consider. One hangs off the end dock and is fairly easy to install, but needs deeper water to operate. The other model is mounted on a heavy metal frame, and sits on the lake bottom. The angle of the pump is adjustable to help compensate for water depth. The metal frame and mounting hardware will rust and is not easily adjustable after the first year of use.
The lake bottom model will require you to get into the water to install and remove each year if it is located in an area that may interfere with docking your boat. It does give you the option of selecting the best location of operation after some experimenting.
There is a third model that uses an air compressor and piping to keep the water moving to prevent freezing. There are some other postings discussing this method, and apparently is less costly to operate. You will have a compressor running and the associated noise. I also believe this model will need to run more of the time, but I am not sure of its effectiveness in extremely low temps.
I saw the basic models in Watermark's showroom in Laconia last weekend. You will also need a Danger Thin Ice sign which they also sell. The units usually come wired with a timer. I am sure they can better explain what unit may work best for your location.
Good luck with your selection.
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