I'm interested in this topic. I've always been at a dock with power and ran a heater in colder weather. My boat is on a mooring now and no power. I'm in North Carolina and concerned about freezing in the ballast. I'm interested in hearing what others have experienced. I hope I'm worrying over nothin...

It's very easy to change the gaskets. It you're worried about it falling out while changing the top, just duct tape it in place.