Please, refer to the
REAL EXPERTS, and TEXTS. Indeed, this discussion began with a comfort issue (flower pot on a stove - a cheap radiator), and quickly evolved into a much broader discussion about propane (LPG), and LIFE-SAFETY issues. I am a project coordinator (& Electrical designer) for a consulting Engineering firm that performs Mechanical (HVAC), Plumbing, Electrical & Structural systems design, and construction supervision (for shoreside buildings). I do NOT design HVAC systems, but I do enforce the sanctity of our designs (during construction). Hence, I am very familiar with the theoretical background and practical applications of safe & effective HVAC systems, but NOT expert. I do have some exprtise on boats & boat systems. I’ve often wondered (aloud): “If you didn’t have the time to do it right in the first place - when will you ever get the time to fix it?” It should also be obvious that the words “money”, “knowledge” or “skill” et. al. could be substituted for “time”. The corollary might be completed: “... - are you certain you’ll get the chance to fix it?” I think it’s very important to be accurate, when dealing with any safety-related issues. I’m too often dismayed by the cavalier attitude that some boaters seem to exhibit towards “quality” and “safety” issues; and their apparent disregard for understanding the many complexities involved in proper marine systems design, installation, maintenance & operation. This would include (my opinion of) those who publish ill-conceived, inaccurate, incomplete, and sometimes dangerous statements and opinions - on Forums, Bulletin Boards, and elsewhere. There is a certain “Caveat Emptor” (buyer beware) that must apply to, and guide the faith and credence with which we accept (or reject) the statements, opinions & etc. that we read on these Forums. Nonetheless, I believe that each of us must self-impose a certain high standard of accuracy when posting unmitigated or unequivocal information and/or opinion. Any statement of “fact” should be both accurate and complete enough to be practically applied by the intended audience. At other times, authors may offer discernibly tentative or limited opinions. It should be readily apparent, by word or context, what limitations the author intends for his “authority” on the subject. I wrote at such length, to provide SOME of the important information required to make informed decisions regarding cabin heating (with particular reference to LPG fired solutions). Some of what I wrote was background theory, some prescriptive opinion (perhaps worth almost what you‘re paying for it
), and in one case a resolution upon which further debate was invited. These are important LIFE-SAFETY issues we have been discussing, so I urge everyone to do their due diligence prior to designing & installing any fuel-fired device. I hope the litlle information I've provided will peak your interest, and send you to the real experts for more information! Propane (as are all hydrocarbon fuels) is an inherently dangerous product - but properly conceived & installed Propane Systems CAN BE very safe. As to FLOWERPOTS on a stove: My previous posts should indicate my opinion that the practice is (mostly) ineffective & unsafe. I’ve never seen a vented stovetop or range on a boat. As to INSULATION: Any insulation must have a Moisture Barrier, which prevents the airborn water vapour from penetrating the insulation, meeting the cold(er) hull behind, and condensing (remember dewpoint). A good insulation & vapour barrier system might be a shoreside engineer’s first tool in the battle against both heat loss & condensation - tho’ it’s (mostly) difficult to achieve in a boat. A final thought: the insulation & vapour-barrier must be fire resistant. Regards, Gord
