Forced Air Heat on a Mk1 Catalina 36

[Trevor]

I know there are a lot of C36s in colder climates, so help me out with my heater installation! I live in Seattle and have a Force 10 propane heater that works in Spring/Fall but just doesn't cut it in the winter. I am spoiled from my last boat which had a Webasto boiler heating system and am considering going with a Webasto forced air unit (3500 model). Any advice on those who have done this before? Specifically, I'm interested where to put the outlets (is there a way to get ducting through the head to the V-berth?). Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice!TrevorS/V Dunoon, C36TR #640

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Ha Ha!

I know what you mean about those Force 10s - just don't quite cut the frostbite! I don't know anything about how to install Webasto's but they sure kick butt!! Stay warm!LD

 

[Michael McCann]

Forced Air

Trevor;You might squeeze through behind the head, under the sink, then under the small seat. Depending on where you mount the furnace it would be a long, or very long run. Why would you want to heat the V? I have a hot water system (Ardic) on my 'pre MKII' 36, and only have outlets in the main cabin, and the head. This works out just fine.Mike

 

[John]

Forced air on 36mkII

I installed a dual Air/heat unit this year with a vent to both the V berth and the Aft cabin. Although there is less forced air to the V-Berth it still keeps the cabin at the correct temperature. We ran the duct through the back of the head 3 inch hose. The unit is a marine air 16,000 btu high capacity unit. Total price unit and install $3,300.

 

[John Visser]

Forced hot water?

Cabin heat is high on my list this year - Columbus Day weekend was cold!!! Are there any forced hot water systems?Thanks,jv 1984 C-36

 

[Trevor]

Hot water heat

The water heating systems sure are nice but are more expensive and work by circulating hot water throughout the boat which is changed to air via heat exchangers (with individual fans) at the outlets. Advantages are more even heat for larger compartmentalized boats and the ability to have on-demand hot water from the galley and head. The hose diameter is also smaller than that of forced air making for easier runs that take less cabinet space. I had a Webasto on my Formosa 51 that worked great.... but cost $12k. I am looking at forced air as a lower cost alternative more suitable to a smaller boat. But getting the ducting (3" for forced air) looks tricky. I don't absolutely have to have heat forward, but it sure would be nice when guests are aft and we want to close the door. I'll see if I can get a run behind the head somehow. Thanks for the input!TrevorS/V Dunoon