Sailboat Heaters

[SailMaster]

Good Morning all,

When I did a refit of our old 1970's era boat, I had the yard remove the old diesel heater that had not functioned for years. With the current cold winter going on and anticipating doing a cruise to northern climates in 2021 Id like to know your thoughts on a "FireProof and FoolProof" heating solution. Our vessel is 38 feet thus I do not need an extensive system set up.

 

[sail sfbay]

My first sailboat had a pressurized kerosene wall heater, which I never used because perceived safety risk. I have a diesel heater that circulates hot water to forced air/water heat exchangers in each cabin and it also heats up potable hot water that works really well but requires a moderate footprint. I would opt for a small footprint forced air diesel heater like a Espar or Webasto, installed in the aft lazarette.
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[dLj]

38 feet is a good size, most companies making heaters for the marine world will have a system for that size. I hear Wallas, a Scandinavian based company, makes excellent diesel heaters for boats. You have to decide on if you want a bulkhead mount system or a forced air system.

dj

 

[Stu Jackson]

You have to decide on if you want a bulkhead mount system or a forced air system.

or a hot water and heater/fan one.

 

[Terry Cox]

Self installed a Wallas forced air diesel furnace in 2006 in order to extend our cruising season to year around. Comes in very handy while on the hook. Thrifty power and fuel consumption, quiet and simple to operate. Some day I'll get around to having it serviced, but until then, it just keeps on ticking. Wrote an article about the installation and operation some time ago in the below link. The 40D would be a good size for your boat.

Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

Hunter 42 Owner Modifications and Upgrades

hunter.sailboatowners.com