Dickinson newport type, or forced air / vevor / 12v diesel heater?

[adamv]

Which would you prefer? A slow and fiddly to heat (and less child friendly, potentially smelly) dickinson, or sell the one i have and buy a cheap, compact convenient but noisey and battery consuming chinese heater?

Some background ... my boat came with a used, disconnected newport / dickinson type diesel heater- the boat already has a blanked off deck vent but the space on the bulkhead where the heater would live has some small shelving.

Im unsure whether the PO had got half way through installing the heater- or - whether it was removed because the small amount of shelf space was considered an upgrade. Either way, i cant confirm there is a metal backing plate onto the bulkhead, or that the auxilary fuel lines are in place.

What are the disadavantages of each people have found? I just want a little heat for the odd day or two on the shoulder season
Thanks so much

 

[dLj]

Which would you prefer? A slow and fiddly to heat (and less child friendly, potentially smelly) dickinson, or sell the one i have and buy a cheap, compact convenient but noisey and battery consuming chinese heater?

Some background ... my boat came with a used, disconnected newport / dickinson type diesel heater- the boat already has a blanked off deck vent but the space on the bulkhead where the heater would live has some small shelving.

Im unsure whether the PO had got half way through installing the heater- or - whether it was removed because the small amount of shelf space was considered an upgrade. Either way, i cant confirm there is a metal backing plate onto the bulkhead, or that the auxilary fuel lines are in place.

What are the disadavantages of each people have found? I just want a little heat for the odd day or two on the shoulder season
Thanks so much

Well, this is a decision that you need to assess for where and how you are going to sail. The best information I've seen was done by Aluring Artic Sailing - he did a really nice review of heaters.

dj

 

[dlochner]

Is there space to run the ductwork?

Do you need heat on anchor or at the dock?

If only at the dock get a small electric ceramic heater.

 

[jssailem]

Hi Adam,
When I was first exploring sailing more than a pocket yacht in the Salish Sea, the ambiance of a Dickerson propane heater was enticing. A flame providing a flickering light in the cabin seemed so engaging. I soon discovered that the heat output was dismal. If you want to be sailing more than summer months and a couple of shoulder seasons months, you need a robust heat source in the boat. If not you’ll find yourself shivering while tucked in one of those sub-zero sleeping bags wondering if you’ll ever get warm.

I fortunately discovered an unused Wallas Diesel heater in one of the compartments in the boat I bought. It provides premium heat throughout the boat on the coldest nights. It would be my primary recommendation for any Pacific NW boat owner who wanted to be on the water year round.

Other options include the Webasto and Espar diesel heaters which I seen on boats in the Salish Seas. There are Chinese and Russian knockoffs of both. I have heard various stories about these. They usually begin with the low price. Not all performance goals have been reported as satisfactory.

Another option is hydronic heat. A friend with a Catalina 30 chose the route and has had successfully completed an installation and reached warm boat enjoyment.

Hope you find a successful option. Winter sailing is a lot of fun with the right equipment.

 

[adamv]

Is there space to run the ductwork?

Do you need heat on anchor or at the dock?

If only at the dock get a small electric ceramic heater.

Certainly my instinct was to use the deck vent if I went forced air but unless I started drilling through the bulkhead - spoiler alert: I'm not going to do that - I would have to modify the cushions on the settee. The only other sane option would be in the locker but this means finding an ugly home for a second vent somewhere around the cockpit and I can't see that working on my boat

This would be heat specifically when on anchor (I'd use mains otherwise)

 

[adamv]

Well, this is a decision that you need to assess for where and how you are going to sail. The best information I've seen was done by Aluring Artic Sailing - he did a really nice review of heaters.

dj

Thanks this is a great video! Although he didn't show how he vented his forced air exhaust from the cockpit - I'd be curious to know

 

[dlochner]

Certainly my instinct was to use the deck vent if I went forced air but unless I started drilling through the bulkhead - spoiler alert: I'm not going to do that - I would have to modify the cushions on the settee. The only other sane option would be in the locker but this means finding an ugly home for a second vent somewhere around the cockpit and I can't see that working on my boat

This would be heat specifically when on anchor (I'd use mains otherwise)

Last year I installed a hydronic system in my boat, so I'm pretty familiar with heating system installations. A forced air system needs a 3" supply system from the heater to the cabin and a return air system. It is best for the supply to run well into the cabin. Finding space for the 3" vent can be an issue, it was not possible on my boat. The return can be shorter as it will draw air back to the heater. If the supply and return are too close together much of the boat will not receive any heat.

Locating the heater unit/furnace takes careful consideration. It will require an air intake and an exhaust. The exhaust location is critical, it must be near the furnace, have less than 3 90° bends, be vertical (to let condensation drain), and not be subject to flooding from rain, spray, or waves. The exhaust temp will run close to 1000° F so it can't be near anything combustible and must be insulated. There is a bit more flexibility in the air intake hose, but it too must not be in a place where water can enter it. And don't forget, you will need a fuel supply and a fuel pump.

Adding heat safely and efficiently is a big project and will cost more than you might initially think. Done correctly yields a warm comfortable boat, done incorrectly and the boat becomes a potential death trap from CO or fire.

I worked with Sure Marine in Seattle. They provide great tech support, have clear instructions on all the details, and offer one stop shopping.

Good luck.

 

[dLj]

Thanks this is a great video! Although he didn't show how he vented his forced air exhaust from the cockpit - I'd be curious to know

He runs it out the transom. I haven't seen what he does for keeping fallowing seas from coming into it. He did talk a fair amount of keeping that free and not getting water blocking the exhaust. You could send him a note asking. I'm sure he'd answer...

dj