Fall is upon us (sniff) and I'm wondering what other non-heated boats use to keep warm - probably mostly smaller boats. No problem at the dock but if I want to spend the night out, I'm gonna be a popsicle! What do you use? LaDonna
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Heating device
My favorite is self heating, self regulating, 37 C degree unit (available in several colors and sizes) under a very good quality down-filled sleeping bag. Designated as femalicus sailorous, this unit requires fuel each evening around 6 p.m. (a little alcohol is recommended with the fuel to prevent freeze up) and purrs when warm fuel and coffee is added first thing in the a.m. When absolutely necessary, this wonderful unit can perform well to temperatures as low as minus 40. Low maintenance, good companionship and a great aroma. In production for a long time, well-known designer. Gets my vote every time.
My favorite is self heating, self regulating, 37 C degree unit (available in several colors and sizes) under a very good quality down-filled sleeping bag. Designated as femalicus sailorous, this unit requires fuel each evening around 6 p.m. (a little alcohol is recommended with the fuel to prevent freeze up) and purrs when warm fuel and coffee is added first thing in the a.m. When absolutely necessary, this wonderful unit can perform well to temperatures as low as minus 40. Low maintenance, good companionship and a great aroma. In production for a long time, well-known designer. Gets my vote every time.
Origo Heater
Well, I've gotta admit, Brian's device has my top vote... although I've found it's not the total answer to having a warm cabin in the morning... I've got one of the Origo portable heater models -- uses the same wick as the Origo stoves, heated my C25 beautifully (haven't tried it on the C30 yet), burned for 6-7 hours on a full wick. You have to be careful to adequately ventilate the cabin to avoid O2 depletion, but that's true of any heater. I've read that you can obtain fair results by heating two inverted stoneware flowerpots on top of the stove in the galley. I've also seen a portable unit at Camper's World that runs on one of the small propane tanks -- like the ones that fuel our barbeques on the stern rail -- again, runs 6-8 hours. But have no experience with them. Looking forward to other responses. Mike Turner S/V Amity Long Beach, CA
Well, I've gotta admit, Brian's device has my top vote... although I've found it's not the total answer to having a warm cabin in the morning... I've got one of the Origo portable heater models -- uses the same wick as the Origo stoves, heated my C25 beautifully (haven't tried it on the C30 yet), burned for 6-7 hours on a full wick. You have to be careful to adequately ventilate the cabin to avoid O2 depletion, but that's true of any heater. I've read that you can obtain fair results by heating two inverted stoneware flowerpots on top of the stove in the galley. I've also seen a portable unit at Camper's World that runs on one of the small propane tanks -- like the ones that fuel our barbeques on the stern rail -- again, runs 6-8 hours. But have no experience with them. Looking forward to other responses. Mike Turner S/V Amity Long Beach, CA
I hardly ever use it but,
I have a Victory kerosene heater. It's a classic, yachty-looking brass heater made in England. It is basically a one burner, pressurized kerosene stove in a cylindrical brass case (about the same size as a Force 10 propane heater). It's mounted on the starboard cabin bulkhead and is vented through a watertight chimney to the outside. It works quite well once you get the hang of preheating the burner with alcohol but has limited fuel capacity (estimated at no more than a quart). I suppose if I were to use it regularly I could hook it up to a remote, pressurized tank.
I have a Victory kerosene heater. It's a classic, yachty-looking brass heater made in England. It is basically a one burner, pressurized kerosene stove in a cylindrical brass case (about the same size as a Force 10 propane heater). It's mounted on the starboard cabin bulkhead and is vented through a watertight chimney to the outside. It works quite well once you get the hang of preheating the burner with alcohol but has limited fuel capacity (estimated at no more than a quart). I suppose if I were to use it regularly I could hook it up to a remote, pressurized tank.
1st frost last might...
Why not try one of those small propane catyletic heaters. They fit on to the disposable bottles and come with a stand to keep them upright. It would sit well on the table or by the sink. Keep a little air flowing into the cabin, just to make sure you're safe. You might even just use it to warm the cabin up then shut it down as you settle in for the night. Keep it handy and you can relight it during the night to take the chill off or to warm up the cabin just before you crawl out of bed... A prefered option may be to pull anchor and move your boat a little south for the winter....
Why not try one of those small propane catyletic heaters. They fit on to the disposable bottles and come with a stand to keep them upright. It would sit well on the table or by the sink. Keep a little air flowing into the cabin, just to make sure you're safe. You might even just use it to warm the cabin up then shut it down as you settle in for the night. Keep it handy and you can relight it during the night to take the chill off or to warm up the cabin just before you crawl out of bed... A prefered option may be to pull anchor and move your boat a little south for the winter....
Solar Power
Solar power is provided at most docks south of the Mason Dixon at no charge, compliments of a benefactor by the name of M. Nature.
Rob R.
Solar power is provided at most docks south of the Mason Dixon at no charge, compliments of a benefactor by the name of M. Nature.
Rob R.- Status