Airmax Ice Eater Pond & Dock De-Icer
Help protect your dock, pier and moored boat from winter ice with the Airmax Ice Eater. This submersible dock de-icer circulates warmer water from below the surface to help prevent ice formation and maintain open water around waterfront structures. The redesigned Ice Eater features an installed motor mount cage with adjustable mooring positions, allowing you to direct circulation where it is needed.
Choose from 1/2 HP, 3/4 HP and 1 HP models, with model-dependent voltage options and multiple power cord lengths. Match your Ice Eater to your electrical supply, water conditions and installation requirements for winter use around docks, boat slips, piers and marinas.
Features of the Redesigned Airmax Ice Eater
- Adjustable flow direction: Position the unit upright for a circular opening or angle it toward shore for a more elongated opening along a dock.
- Installed motor mount cage: The power unit arrives with its motor mount fitted for rope suspension from a dock, pier or boat.
- Three horsepower options: Select the P500 1/2 HP, P750 3/4 HP or P1000 1 HP model.
- Model-specific propellers: Two-blade propellers on the P500 and P750; a four-blade propeller on the P1000.
- Sealed motor lubrication: The motor can contains non-toxic dielectric lubricating fluid and does not require additional lubrication.
- Optional thermostat control: Add a voltage-matched thermostat to control operation as temperatures change.
- 3-year limited warranty: Manufacturer coverage is subject to Airmax’s registration requirements, terms and exclusions.
How the Ice Eater Works
The Ice Eater moves warmer subsurface water toward the surface, creating circulation that helps prevent freezing and melt existing ice. Its de-icing action comes from water movement rather than an electric heating element.
Airmax advertises ice-free coverage of up to 80 feet in diameter for the product line. This is a maximum coverage claim, not a guaranteed opening for every model or installation. Actual coverage depends on the selected unit, water depth, temperature, exposure and installation position.
Airmax Ice Eater Model Comparison
| Specification |
P500 |
P750 |
P1000 |
| Motor Power |
1/2 HP |
3/4 HP |
1 HP |
| Voltage / Frequency |
115V / 60Hz |
115V or 230V / 60Hz |
115V or 230V / 60Hz |
| Propeller |
6-inch, 2 blade |
7-inch, 2 blade |
7-inch, 4 blade |
| Standard Power Cord |
25 feet |
25 feet |
25 feet |
| Listed Power Cord Lengths* |
25, 50, 100 or 150 feet |
25, 50, 100 or 150 feet |
25, 50, 100 or 150 feet |
| Mounting Method |
Rope suspension with shackles and adjustable motor mount attachment positions |
| Recommended Operating Depth When Angled |
2–3 feet below the surface; upright installations may require greater depth |
| Minimum Bottom Clearance |
At least 1 foot above the pond or lake bottom |
| Warranty |
3-year manufacturer limited warranty |
*Airmax’s manual lists these cord lengths for 115V and 230V systems. Available combinations depend on the selected model and configuration.
Adjustable Positioning for Your Waterfront
The redesigned motor mount allows you to change the Ice Eater’s angle by repositioning the mooring shackles. This provides flexibility when directing circulation beneath a boat or along a dock.
- Upright installation: Suspend the Ice Eater beneath a boat to create a circular opening that expands outward from the center.
- Angled installation: Position the unit near the end of a dock with flow directed toward shore to create a more elongated opening.
- Adjustable attachment positions: Use holes A and B for upright positioning. Move the second shackle to hole C, D, E or F to progressively increase the angle, following the owner’s manual.
For angled operation, Airmax recommends a depth of approximately 2–3 feet below the water surface. Upright installations may require greater depth depending on horsepower and surface disturbance. Maintain at least 1 foot of clearance above the bottom, allowing for changing water levels.
Keep the suspension ropes spaced far enough apart to prevent twisting. Never lift, drag or suspend the Ice Eater by its power cord.
What’s Included
- Ice Eater power unit with installed motor mount
- Mooring ropes with shackles
- Power cord in the selected configuration; standard length is 25 feet
A thermostat is an optional accessory.
Optional Ice Eater Thermostat
Add a thermostat to control operation as temperatures fluctuate and help reduce unnecessary runtime. Select the thermostat that matches your Ice Eater’s voltage.
- 115V Ice Eater Thermostat: Part #131018
- 230V Ice Eater Thermostat: Part #131017
Replacement Parts for the Redesigned Ice Eater
Airmax lists the following service parts for the redesigned models. Confirm compatibility with your exact unit before ordering, particularly when servicing an older Ice Eater.
- Motor Mount Assembly with Hardware: #132955
- Stainless Steel Shackles, Set of 2: #130989
- 3/8-inch x 25-foot Mooring Ropes, Set of 2: #130986
- 3/8-inch x 50-foot Mooring Ropes, Set of 2: #130988
- 1/2-inch Diameter Aluminum Anode, All Redesigned Models: #131010
- P500 1/2 HP Propeller, 6-inch, 2 Blade: #132900
- P750 3/4 HP Propeller, 7-inch, 2 Blade: #132902
- P1000 1 HP Propeller, 7-inch, 4 Blade: #132901
Electrical & Operating Requirements
- Connect the Ice Eater to a properly grounded, GFCI-protected circuit that matches the selected unit’s voltage.
- Choose a factory power cord long enough to reach the power source directly. Airmax states that using an extension cord may void the warranty.
- Have a qualified electrician install the electrical supply.
- Never operate the unit out of the water.
- Never allow anyone to enter the water while the unit is plugged in or operating.
- Keep hands, feet, cords and mooring lines clear of the propeller.
- Unplug the Ice Eater before inspection, cleaning or maintenance.
Read and follow the complete owner’s manual before installing or operating the unit.
Maintenance & Seasonal Storage
Periodically clean accumulated debris from the motor mount cage and inspect the propeller for damage. Replace a chipped or damaged propeller to help prevent premature seal or bearing failure. Inspect the aluminum shaft anode periodically and replace it annually.
Airmax recommends cleaning the motor can annually with Airmax D-Scale and rinsing it with clean water. The sealed motor contains lubricating fluid and does not require additional lubrication.
When the unit is removed for seasonal storage, clean it and store it indoors with the propeller side down to keep the seals lubricated. Authorized repairs must be completed by Airmax or an Airmax Certified Repair Center.
3-Year Manufacturer Limited Warranty
Airmax’s limited warranty covers qualifying defects in materials or workmanship for the original purchaser, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and exclusions.
Submit warranty registration directly to Airmax within 30 days of purchase. Without registration, the owner’s manual states that warranty coverage begins on the dealer’s original purchase date.
Contact your dealer before returning a unit for warranty evaluation. A Return Material Authorization is required, and the owner is responsible for removal, packaging, inbound freight and reinstallation expenses. Refer to the owner’s manual for complete warranty details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Airmax Ice Eater model should I choose?
Consider your electrical supply, water depth, site conditions and the area you want to keep open. The redesigned range includes the P500 1/2 HP, P750 3/4 HP and P1000 1 HP. Contact BoatLiftandDock.com for help comparing configurations for your installation.
Can I adjust the direction of water flow?
Yes. Reposition the mooring shackles on the motor mount to aim the unit upright or at an angle. Upright placement produces a more circular opening, while angled placement can direct circulation along a dock toward shore.
How deep should I install the Ice Eater?
Airmax recommends approximately 2–3 feet below the surface for angled operation. Upright installations may require greater depth. Always maintain at least 1 foot of bottom clearance and account for changing water levels.
Can I use an extension cord?
Airmax directs users to connect the Ice Eater’s power cord directly to the power source and states that using an extension cord may void the warranty. Select an appropriate factory cord length when ordering.
Does the Ice Eater include a thermostat?
No. The thermostat is optional. Choose a 115V or 230V thermostat to match your unit.
How should I store the unit when it is not in use?
Clean the unit and store it indoors with the propeller side down. This orientation helps keep the seals lubricated.
Need Help Selecting Your Ice Eater?
Contact BoatLiftandDock.com at 866-942-6349 or info@boatliftanddock.com for assistance choosing an Airmax Ice Eater model