Coast Guard Regs : Cabin Heaters

[unclecurt]

I'm planning to add a solid fuel heater to the pilothouse cabin of my Nimble Arctic. It will be either a Tiny Tot from Fatsco, or a Dickinson bullkhead mounted heater. In either case there will be a 3" stainless flue from the heater and will be properly installed.

My question is with regard to the Coast Guard regs in case I'm stopped for a safety inspection.

In particular, I'm wondering if the regs require some sort of shielding around the flue other than the common sense protection of the bulkhead, deck and surrounding areas from heat. I've tried searching the Coast Guard site and elsewhere with no luck so far on the actual regs related to onboard heaters/stoves.

Since it's a solid fuel heater, no issues on safe propane or liquid fuel storage lockers, etc.

Does anyone have the Coast Guard regs as apply to a solid fuel heater? Common sense is one thing, but the regs may be another... is a flue guard required by the Coast Guard?

Thanks!

 

[thinwater]

Don't know about specific regs.

Regarding flue guards, you'd be a fool not to provide flue guards both to keep sheets away from the heat and snags, and to prevent the wind from affecting the draft. A sudden gust through the slot can be gale force even in moderate conditions.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2009/10/let-there-be-heat.html

Easy to make you own (image in the above post).

 

[unclecurt]

Don't know about specific regs.

Regarding flue guards, you'd be a fool not to provide flue guards both to keep sheets away from the heat and snags, and to prevent the wind from affecting the draft. A sudden gust through the slot can be gale force even in moderate conditions.

http://sail-delmarva.blogspot.com/2009/10/let-there-be-heat.html

Easy to make you own (image in the above post).

Thanks for the info.

I think, though, that a flue guard is different from an exhaust cap guard on deck.

While an exhaust cap guard could be a good idea in terms of preventing fouling of sheets, effect on draft and so on, the flue guard is inside the cabin on the flue with the purpose of preventing accidental burns against the flue pipe.

From a safety standpoint I would think both are a good idea, but I'm wondering what the Coast Guard regs are on the subject of flue guards and solid fuel heaters. I real terms I doubt there would be a problem in my case, but it seems difficult to find the regulations which could be of interest in the event of an inspection.

 

[Brian D]

Ask them:

http://www.uscg.mil/global/mail/

 

[mitiempo]

I don't believe any flue guard is required below by any regulation - a good idea though. Especially with a wood burning stove the flue can get very hot, often causing problems with the deck cutout even when there is a fair amount of space around the flue itself.

The installation instructions with a Dickinson cover all that is necessary.

 

[mitiempo]

Here is a good link of a Dickinson Newport solid fuel stove being installed in a Newport 30.

http://www.captaincurran.com/2009/10/dickinson-newport-solid-fuel-stove.html

 

[Benny17441]

When you check specific USCG regulations make sure you check for applicability as many of them only pertain to boats carrying paying passengers. I do not recall seeing any regulations governing the use of solid fuels for heating or cooking for private vessels. Follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines and just insure that any deviation is for a clear and sound safety improvement. I think the use of a flue guard is an excellent addition.

 

[Bob J.]

If you install the Tiny Tot let us know how that works out for you, I was looking at those. They seem better than the Dickinson & sure are cheaper.

 

[Jackdaw]

When you check specific USCG regulations make sure you check for applicability as many of them only pertain to boats carrying paying passengers. I do not recall seeing any regulations governing the use of solid fuels for heating or cooking for private vessels. Follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines and just insure that any deviation is for a clear and sound safety improvement. I think the use of a flue guard is an excellent addition.

This.

For pleasure craft, this is the 15 point inspection. Item 15 - Overall Vessel condition is a bit of a catch-all, but I've seen boats pass inspections with stuff on them that would keep me from setting foot on them. So your mileage may vary.

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=virtual-safety-check

 

[unclecurt]

This.

For pleasure craft, this is the 15 point inspection. Item 15 - Overall Vessel condition is a bit of a catch-all, but I've seen boats pass inspections with stuff on them that would keep me from setting foot on them. So your mileage may vary.

http://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=V-DEPT&category=virtual-safety-check

Thanks.

It is a bit open to interpretation in the area of overall vessel condition and "free from fire hazards". As has been mentioned here already, it's likely that installation of a solid fuel heater in accordance with the manufacturers instructions should be acceptable assuming a reasonable inspection and given a vessel in good overall condition.

I tried an email to the USCG for verification, but their web site isn't particularly suited to this type of question. If I get an answer, I'll post it here.

Otherwise, I'm not going to worry about it. For now, I'm debating between the Tiny Tot and the Dickenson more on the basis of installation considerations and functionality. While I like the Tiny Tot, I'm leaning more toward the Dickinson mainly for installation reasons.

Thanks again for the responses.