Cabin Heaters

[Bob Cree]

I am interested in installing a bulkhead mounted diesel cabin heater on my H34.I am looking at a Dickinson- Newport Diesel Heater. Has anyone used this brand? Has anyone installed a bulkhead heater on a H34?Thanks for any info.Bob

 

[David Undewood]

I have a Force 10

I have installed a Force 10 on my 1982 Hunter 33. It was first mounted above a small cabinate about 2.5 feet above the floor. I found that on cold days, that 2.5 feet below the heater stayed pretty cold. So, removed the cabinate, replaced it with a "fireplace kinda" setup. Stanless steel plates on each bulkhead near the heater and a marble tile underneath. This worked really well since the heater now sits only inches above the floor. Since that time, some age on the heater, my only complainte is the amount of maintaince on the burner itself. Seems to need cleaning often that I think it should and sometimes a little more odor than I hoped for. My stove is the Kenyon that has been in the boat for almost twenty years.. it seems to work better, but then again, its not used for several hours at a time like the heater. I am interested in what replies you get on this because I am now at a piont of having to replace the burner, thought about propane, but nervous about the danger of heavy gas in the bilge. Good luck, hope you get alot of replies.David "Freebird" Hunter 33 ... let freedom rain on Freebird!

 

[Bob Howie]

Propane, schmopane; gimme a break!!

Ok, folks, let me be the heretic here! No boat has EVER blown up because PROPER maintenance and a little care was used! Most of the stories one reads about gas-powered boats or propane-using appliances causing the boat to explode and burn stem from the fact that someone somewhere either did not maintain their gear or the stuff was installed incorrectly!!! I drove gas-powered boats for years -- gas-powered boats rack up thousands of hours a year -- and none EVER blew up on me!! I have used propane on boats and in motor homes for years and, again, NO explosions! Force 10 has a propane burning heater and it's the berries! Lots of clean, high BTUs without threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. If you procur a professional installation utilizing auto-shut-off solenoids and properly housed bottles and properly installed manifolds and lines, you have about the same chance of blowing yourself up on your boat as you do in your car or home! You can also install bilge blowers that click on at periodic times and vent the bilge overboard even if you are not on the boat. You can also install gas alarms (which sometimes are about as reliable as car alarms) if you like. And, before anyone yells to string me up; that I don't know what I'm talking about, please check the NTSB and Coast Guard websites before you do. You will find a dearth of any such explosion cases being discussed. Best advice is to have the propane heating system installed by a professional and at least once a year, have the thing inspected. Preventative maintenance is the key. Good luck.