I will be living aboard my 1991 Catalina 30 and plan to use a ceramic heater with timer and thermostat/tip-over switch. Will the wiring handle that? Any other suggestions for heating? I am considering a solid vs other fuel heater but don't know where I would put the flue. Is it possible to get a smaller table and put flue where the table is stored? Thanks for your advice!
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Ceramic Heater
I've been using a ceramic heater this winter. Along with a lantern(parrafin) the temperature stays about 65 degrees. I turn off the lantern and turn down the heater at night, and it works great. I would recommend an electric blanket though, if it't freezing outside. I don't live aboard, so I don't know how stove would work. Im sure the soot would drive you crazy. Sean--CARNABY STREET
I've been using a ceramic heater this winter. Along with a lantern(parrafin) the temperature stays about 65 degrees. I turn off the lantern and turn down the heater at night, and it works great. I would recommend an electric blanket though, if it't freezing outside. I don't live aboard, so I don't know how stove would work. Im sure the soot would drive you crazy. Sean--CARNABY STREET
Big difference between Seattle & Providence
I can't imagine a tiny space heater keeping you warm, Brendan. It may keep the boat from freezing but that doesn't mean YOU won't be freezing! Seriously look at some of the better heating systems. I think your money would be better spent looking at "central" heating systems like Webasto instead of bulkhead mounted systems. It's going to cost significantly more but you will actually be comfortable everywhere in your boat instead of just next to the heat source. I think these systems are fantastic but there are some pitfalls: they require more maintenance, you'll probably have to do some re-wiring, and they cost a lot more. BUT if you're living aboard full-time, don't discount your comfort. If you're constantly freezing cold & water drips on your head at night from condensation (check out Tom Neale's column in last month's Cruising World), you're not going to be happy living aboard. On the other hand, if your boat is comfortably warm & dry during the winter, you're more likely to continue with the lifestyle. Another benefit is that you don't have to worry about your boat catching on fire while you're asleep or not aboard. Good luck with your decision! LaDonna
I can't imagine a tiny space heater keeping you warm, Brendan. It may keep the boat from freezing but that doesn't mean YOU won't be freezing! Seriously look at some of the better heating systems. I think your money would be better spent looking at "central" heating systems like Webasto instead of bulkhead mounted systems. It's going to cost significantly more but you will actually be comfortable everywhere in your boat instead of just next to the heat source. I think these systems are fantastic but there are some pitfalls: they require more maintenance, you'll probably have to do some re-wiring, and they cost a lot more. BUT if you're living aboard full-time, don't discount your comfort. If you're constantly freezing cold & water drips on your head at night from condensation (check out Tom Neale's column in last month's Cruising World), you're not going to be happy living aboard. On the other hand, if your boat is comfortably warm & dry during the winter, you're more likely to continue with the lifestyle. Another benefit is that you don't have to worry about your boat catching on fire while you're asleep or not aboard. Good luck with your decision! LaDonna
I would suggest that you look into the Force 10 bulkhead mounted propane heater. Cost is about $375 from West Marine and it uses a 1" exhaust. you can us a fan to help circulate the air. I would recomend that you also keep the electric. I have always hated to go to sleep with an open flame burining. I have seen this mounted on the bulkhead on the forward Starboard side accross from the table. This is a clean heat and will not smoke up the deck. Good luck.
You'll freeze to death...
A ceramic heater or even 2 of them won't provide enough heat to keep the boat warm during Rhode Island winters. Do yourself a favor and take LaDonna's advice...and put in a real heating system if you are really set on living aboard during the winter months. Mark Johnson
A ceramic heater or even 2 of them won't provide enough heat to keep the boat warm during Rhode Island winters. Do yourself a favor and take LaDonna's advice...and put in a real heating system if you are really set on living aboard during the winter months. Mark Johnson
The problem with Force 10 heaters
My folks had one in their boat (still do) and it's ok but, IMHO, they're WAAAAY over-rated. They won't permeate the V-berth at all & the only place I ever felt comfortably warm was when I was huddled under a blanket right next to it. And then you have the whole "open flame" problem. LaDonna
My folks had one in their boat (still do) and it's ok but, IMHO, they're WAAAAY over-rated. They won't permeate the V-berth at all & the only place I ever felt comfortably warm was when I was huddled under a blanket right next to it. And then you have the whole "open flame" problem. LaDonna
Consider a Dickenson
I installed a Dickenson Diesel heater in my C30 last fall and stayed on board most weekends last winter and was quite comfortable. IMHO these are a very good quality heating unit. I mounted it on the starboard bulkhead above the setee.
I installed a Dickenson Diesel heater in my C30 last fall and stayed on board most weekends last winter and was quite comfortable. IMHO these are a very good quality heating unit. I mounted it on the starboard bulkhead above the setee.
Get the new Dickenson propane furnace
I installed a Dickenson propane furnace. I find that the boat gets a bit too warm and have to open the companionway hatch at times. The new model has a direct vent system and dosen't consume the cabin oxygen. The fan is quiet and uses very little propane. It is also easy to light. The kit came complete with most everything I needed to install. I installed a 20 lb tank in the aft lazerette and turned that area into the propane locker. Remember to seal the area and vent through the hull. I also needed a 30 ft section of propane hose. It's a good idea to install a good electronic valve system and gas leak detection devices.
I installed a Dickenson propane furnace. I find that the boat gets a bit too warm and have to open the companionway hatch at times. The new model has a direct vent system and dosen't consume the cabin oxygen. The fan is quiet and uses very little propane. It is also easy to light. The kit came complete with most everything I needed to install. I installed a 20 lb tank in the aft lazerette and turned that area into the propane locker. Remember to seal the area and vent through the hull. I also needed a 30 ft section of propane hose. It's a good idea to install a good electronic valve system and gas leak detection devices.
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