Have any of you installed a diesel heater on a Hunter 31?? If so where did you mount it? How did you run the fuel lines, the stack, etc. Have you used a force 10 heater? Please advise.... my family gets cold!!
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I have ... works pretty good too
my 1982 Hunter 33 has the diesel / kerosene Force 10 heater installed. I will post photos under one of the photo forums for you to see my installation. I may take me a few hours to get them on, but check back. Not sure how much different your 31 is from my 33, but if you see one installed, maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck.
my 1982 Hunter 33 has the diesel / kerosene Force 10 heater installed. I will post photos under one of the photo forums for you to see my installation. I may take me a few hours to get them on, but check back. Not sure how much different your 31 is from my 33, but if you see one installed, maybe it will give you some ideas. Good luck.
Heat while sailing or at the dock (both)?
Scott: What part of the country are you located in? Are you looking for heat while you are out sailing or just in port? We use a ceramic 1500w heater during the winter months. This does a good job of keeping us warm while in port. I do not know about using a kerosene or diesel heater while under way, so I push that off to someone else.
Scott: What part of the country are you located in? Are you looking for heat while you are out sailing or just in port? We use a ceramic 1500w heater during the winter months. This does a good job of keeping us warm while in port. I do not know about using a kerosene or diesel heater while under way, so I push that off to someone else.
Heater
Scott; I have a 1984 H31 on which my wife and I and cat lived here in Vancouver for over 4 years. For heat, I installed an Ardic forced air furnace and a solid fuel fireplace. The ardic is great to have on when sailing on cold wet days in the Pacific Northwest and when at anchor the fireplace is the best as it gives a nice dry heat. At the dock, I also use a small electric space heater. When installing the fireplace, as in any bulkhead mounted heater, cutting a hole in the cabin top was hard only from the perspective that you are making a hole in your boat. Our boat was new when I installed the heating so it was especially nerve wracking. Installing the forced air furnace wasn't too bad but with the grid system, it took some time and thought as to how to run the heating ducts. Mac
Scott; I have a 1984 H31 on which my wife and I and cat lived here in Vancouver for over 4 years. For heat, I installed an Ardic forced air furnace and a solid fuel fireplace. The ardic is great to have on when sailing on cold wet days in the Pacific Northwest and when at anchor the fireplace is the best as it gives a nice dry heat. At the dock, I also use a small electric space heater. When installing the fireplace, as in any bulkhead mounted heater, cutting a hole in the cabin top was hard only from the perspective that you are making a hole in your boat. Our boat was new when I installed the heating so it was especially nerve wracking. Installing the forced air furnace wasn't too bad but with the grid system, it took some time and thought as to how to run the heating ducts. Mac
Hey Scott, have posted the pics
Scott, The images are posted on this site, take a look at our Force 10 heater, we are pretty well pleased, but we use electric heater at the dock and the force 10 while away form shore power. Good luck.
Scott, The images are posted on this site, take a look at our Force 10 heater, we are pretty well pleased, but we use electric heater at the dock and the force 10 while away form shore power. Good luck.
Thanks
Thanks for the replies. I'm looking for heat while away from the dock. We try not to spend the night at the (home) dock all the time and so are often without power. In early spring and late fall it gets pretty cold. Thanks for the pictures.
Thanks for the replies. I'm looking for heat while away from the dock. We try not to spend the night at the (home) dock all the time and so are often without power. In early spring and late fall it gets pretty cold. Thanks for the pictures.
Ever hear of carbon monoxide?
I just know this is going to get me in trouble again, but here goes. Force 10 makes a really, really good propane-powered, bulkhead-mounted heater that works great, burns clean and won't gas you to death on a chilly night. Now, I know all my friends and more than few pundits out there are gonna keel-haul me for suggesting someone put propane on their boat, but, folks, that old saw about blowing yourself up just won't trot and it just ain't me saying so; ask Boat/US Insurance how many times boats have blown up using propane and there are damn few recorded cases! Properly installed and maintained propane systems have been used the world over on everything from boats to motorhomes, travel trailers, mobile homes, camp houses, primary residences and apartment complexes and the ONLY time they just spontaneously blow up is when someone does something stupid or just flat out fails to maintain the system. You stand more of a chance of killing yourself aboard your boat using diesel fuel or kerosene to heat the place up than you do a properly installed and maintained propane system. Propane does not give off carbon monoxide; other stuff does. The pundits who suggest you are just setting yourself up as a civilian cannon ball by using propane haven't one shred of palpable evidence or fact to back themselves up. Yes, propane is heavier than air and it can blow up and if not maintained, most likely it will blow up. But, aboard a properly maintained boat, there's a lot less chance of you blowing yourself up using propane than there is of killing yourself while driving to the marina. Of course, that's just my opinion; I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong!!!
I just know this is going to get me in trouble again, but here goes. Force 10 makes a really, really good propane-powered, bulkhead-mounted heater that works great, burns clean and won't gas you to death on a chilly night. Now, I know all my friends and more than few pundits out there are gonna keel-haul me for suggesting someone put propane on their boat, but, folks, that old saw about blowing yourself up just won't trot and it just ain't me saying so; ask Boat/US Insurance how many times boats have blown up using propane and there are damn few recorded cases! Properly installed and maintained propane systems have been used the world over on everything from boats to motorhomes, travel trailers, mobile homes, camp houses, primary residences and apartment complexes and the ONLY time they just spontaneously blow up is when someone does something stupid or just flat out fails to maintain the system. You stand more of a chance of killing yourself aboard your boat using diesel fuel or kerosene to heat the place up than you do a properly installed and maintained propane system. Propane does not give off carbon monoxide; other stuff does. The pundits who suggest you are just setting yourself up as a civilian cannon ball by using propane haven't one shred of palpable evidence or fact to back themselves up. Yes, propane is heavier than air and it can blow up and if not maintained, most likely it will blow up. But, aboard a properly maintained boat, there's a lot less chance of you blowing yourself up using propane than there is of killing yourself while driving to the marina. Of course, that's just my opinion; I'm sure someone will tell me I'm wrong!!!
BOB, TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL!
Bob, et. al.: Happen to agree with you but as I mentioned in previous posts, I went the "cheap" way and simply used a couple of my camping "BLACK MAX" Coleman propane heaters for the cabin. Work fine and cost very little. Tim
Bob, et. al.: Happen to agree with you but as I mentioned in previous posts, I went the "cheap" way and simply used a couple of my camping "BLACK MAX" Coleman propane heaters for the cabin. Work fine and cost very little. Tim
You're right, Tim
Tim, I think the point you bring up is a very valid one, i.e., in boating sometimes we overlook the obvious -- and the perfectly-functional less-expensive -- in our never-ending pursuit of seeing just who can spend the most money on his or her boat!!! I've seen some of those small catalytic type heaters about which you are making reference and they are, as you point out, exceptionally functional and priced very competitively, ergo they are an oft-overlooked, affordable alternative to a permanent on-board installation. And, I apologize to all for being a little dogmatic on the issue of propane versus diesel/kerosene. The reason I appear so passionate on the topic is that I nearly lost some friends to carbon monoxide poisoning; an event that typically, as in most cases involving carbon monoxide, started off innocently enough. Had a group of us not planned a Sunday morning brunch and had our friends not been conspicuous by their absence, we would not have checked on them and they would have died. It was by purely sheer happenstance. So, I get on my soapbox a bit when I hear people start talking about using a potentially deadly heating source in an enclosed boat. I just happen to think that propane -- like gasoline engines -- aboard boats has gotten a bad rap over the years by a measly few bunch of ersatz, so-called experts who wouldn't know a shark from a tarpon if it bit them on the butt. As an experienced aviation accident investigator, I know that airplanes just don't suddenly and randomly crash. You can trace each event right back to the very first innocent-enough mistake that was the first link in the accident chain. A series of preceeding events ALWAYS accompanies an accident or an incident and the same is very true about all accidents, including those involving boats. No properly installed, properly maintained, used-as-directed system -- be it gasoline or propane -- aboard a boat has ever just spontaneously exploded. For instance, just how many folks -- before they crank the motor -- every uncover the thing and check for leaks, worn belts, dangling wires? Most will say, "Well, I always turn the blower on first?" How do you know the connections to the blower aren't sparking? It only takes a very small spark to cause a very big bang? Oh, I know; diesel doesn't explode, but all I'm doing here is illustrating a point. I never, ever crank up an airplane till I give it a thorough walk-around and preflight inspection before each and every flight. There has been numerous times over the years where flights have been delayed while the wrench-twisters did their magic because of something that was found. Ok, Ok...I know I'm soapboxing here again and I apologize. The only point I'm trying to make here is that we all have a responsibility to maintain situational awareness at all times so that our avocation remains safe. A stupid mistake by any one of us affects all of us. But, to the point of all this...diesel/kerosense heaters certainly have their place and in a lot of cases they are very efficient, high-output units that are economical to operate. However, propane is likewise a high-yield btu producer that is imminently safer than diesel/kerosene and should be, in my own opinion for whatever it is worth, the only heating fuel that should be used in confined spaces. Thank you all for indulging my sermon.
Tim, I think the point you bring up is a very valid one, i.e., in boating sometimes we overlook the obvious -- and the perfectly-functional less-expensive -- in our never-ending pursuit of seeing just who can spend the most money on his or her boat!!! I've seen some of those small catalytic type heaters about which you are making reference and they are, as you point out, exceptionally functional and priced very competitively, ergo they are an oft-overlooked, affordable alternative to a permanent on-board installation. And, I apologize to all for being a little dogmatic on the issue of propane versus diesel/kerosene. The reason I appear so passionate on the topic is that I nearly lost some friends to carbon monoxide poisoning; an event that typically, as in most cases involving carbon monoxide, started off innocently enough. Had a group of us not planned a Sunday morning brunch and had our friends not been conspicuous by their absence, we would not have checked on them and they would have died. It was by purely sheer happenstance. So, I get on my soapbox a bit when I hear people start talking about using a potentially deadly heating source in an enclosed boat. I just happen to think that propane -- like gasoline engines -- aboard boats has gotten a bad rap over the years by a measly few bunch of ersatz, so-called experts who wouldn't know a shark from a tarpon if it bit them on the butt. As an experienced aviation accident investigator, I know that airplanes just don't suddenly and randomly crash. You can trace each event right back to the very first innocent-enough mistake that was the first link in the accident chain. A series of preceeding events ALWAYS accompanies an accident or an incident and the same is very true about all accidents, including those involving boats. No properly installed, properly maintained, used-as-directed system -- be it gasoline or propane -- aboard a boat has ever just spontaneously exploded. For instance, just how many folks -- before they crank the motor -- every uncover the thing and check for leaks, worn belts, dangling wires? Most will say, "Well, I always turn the blower on first?" How do you know the connections to the blower aren't sparking? It only takes a very small spark to cause a very big bang? Oh, I know; diesel doesn't explode, but all I'm doing here is illustrating a point. I never, ever crank up an airplane till I give it a thorough walk-around and preflight inspection before each and every flight. There has been numerous times over the years where flights have been delayed while the wrench-twisters did their magic because of something that was found. Ok, Ok...I know I'm soapboxing here again and I apologize. The only point I'm trying to make here is that we all have a responsibility to maintain situational awareness at all times so that our avocation remains safe. A stupid mistake by any one of us affects all of us. But, to the point of all this...diesel/kerosense heaters certainly have their place and in a lot of cases they are very efficient, high-output units that are economical to operate. However, propane is likewise a high-yield btu producer that is imminently safer than diesel/kerosene and should be, in my own opinion for whatever it is worth, the only heating fuel that should be used in confined spaces. Thank you all for indulging my sermon.
No CO from propane???
In response to the recomendation for propane I must say that all burning fuels can produce carbon monoxide in small or large quantity depending on the installation and operating condition of the appliance. You should carefully read the owners manual warnings concerning confined spaces and ventiltion. If you have shore power available a digital co detecter is a must have ~ $35.00 life saver. (how much do you spend on a life jacket?) Just remember, propane can produce large quantities of co, so be carefull.
In response to the recomendation for propane I must say that all burning fuels can produce carbon monoxide in small or large quantity depending on the installation and operating condition of the appliance. You should carefully read the owners manual warnings concerning confined spaces and ventiltion. If you have shore power available a digital co detecter is a must have ~ $35.00 life saver. (how much do you spend on a life jacket?) Just remember, propane can produce large quantities of co, so be carefull.
Carbon monoxide and Propane
Well, I have to stand corrected on the issue of propane producing carbon monoxide. I checked with Warren Lawler, a second-generation propane gas dealer in Abilene, Texas, who I have know for many, many years and the fact is that propane does, in fact, produce some carbon monoxide when it burns. According to Lawler, all fossil fuels produce some carbon monoxide when burned; how much depends on the type fuel, refining process and other factors. After doing some more checking, I am still resolute in the potential uses of propane as a cheap and plentiful fuel for heating and cooking. Word is that all fuel-burning heaters, stoves etc., need to be correctly vented and that sufficient inflow of fresh air into the heating spaces needs to occur in order to prevent deadly build ups of carbon monoxide regardless of the source. As has been recommended, quality CO monitors should be installed. The experts are telling me that propane and CNG produce less CO than other fuels and that they burn cleaner than other fuels, hence their popularity. I apologize for the inaccuracy of my previous posting, but be it not said I won't stand up and correct myself when I am wrong.
Well, I have to stand corrected on the issue of propane producing carbon monoxide. I checked with Warren Lawler, a second-generation propane gas dealer in Abilene, Texas, who I have know for many, many years and the fact is that propane does, in fact, produce some carbon monoxide when it burns. According to Lawler, all fossil fuels produce some carbon monoxide when burned; how much depends on the type fuel, refining process and other factors. After doing some more checking, I am still resolute in the potential uses of propane as a cheap and plentiful fuel for heating and cooking. Word is that all fuel-burning heaters, stoves etc., need to be correctly vented and that sufficient inflow of fresh air into the heating spaces needs to occur in order to prevent deadly build ups of carbon monoxide regardless of the source. As has been recommended, quality CO monitors should be installed. The experts are telling me that propane and CNG produce less CO than other fuels and that they burn cleaner than other fuels, hence their popularity. I apologize for the inaccuracy of my previous posting, but be it not said I won't stand up and correct myself when I am wrong.
Gee, I thought this thread died of CO poisoning!
Ha, guess its not really a joking matter, but I will say, we do have plenty of ventilation on our boat at all times. I just like frest air... we have two dorades midship, two 4" vents at the aft part of the cabin, one in the head and one in the galley. Then, I usually keep one of the boards out of the companion way just for a little more. But, I never, never, never, never go to bed with the heater on, we always cut it off before retiring. So, guess a CO detector that works off of batteries or 12 volts would be good just in case I have one two many beers... Cheers! David "Freebird" Hunter 33
Ha, guess its not really a joking matter, but I will say, we do have plenty of ventilation on our boat at all times. I just like frest air... we have two dorades midship, two 4" vents at the aft part of the cabin, one in the head and one in the galley. Then, I usually keep one of the boards out of the companion way just for a little more. But, I never, never, never, never go to bed with the heater on, we always cut it off before retiring. So, guess a CO detector that works off of batteries or 12 volts would be good just in case I have one two many beers... Cheers! David "Freebird" Hunter 33
Only a couple died!
David: Howie only got a couple of good sailors with that post. It is too bad that we could not have these discussions in the summer when no one is using these heaters. Then when we make one of these faux pas, there is enough time to post our corrections before we smoke a couple of fellow sailors.<g> Actually I hope that everyone appreciates that whenever we are burning ANY open flame in a confined area, we should be aware of oxygen depeletion and carbon monoxide poisioning. Alcohol, kerosene, diesel, propane, butane, CNG, etc etc. They are all going to create CO to some degree. The only really safe heat is Electric and this is only good when we are connected to shore power. These other sources need to be monitored to be sure that we awaken to see the morning light. When anyone has their generators running while at anchor, they also need to be aware of which way the wind is blowing so they do not fill the cabin with CO from the exhaust.
David: Howie only got a couple of good sailors with that post. It is too bad that we could not have these discussions in the summer when no one is using these heaters. Then when we make one of these faux pas, there is enough time to post our corrections before we smoke a couple of fellow sailors.<g> Actually I hope that everyone appreciates that whenever we are burning ANY open flame in a confined area, we should be aware of oxygen depeletion and carbon monoxide poisioning. Alcohol, kerosene, diesel, propane, butane, CNG, etc etc. They are all going to create CO to some degree. The only really safe heat is Electric and this is only good when we are connected to shore power. These other sources need to be monitored to be sure that we awaken to see the morning light. When anyone has their generators running while at anchor, they also need to be aware of which way the wind is blowing so they do not fill the cabin with CO from the exhaust.
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