Westabo vs Espar Heaters

[jdhohmann]

I am about to purchase a Westabo 3500. I have priced both Westabo and Espar. Does anybody have any comments about either before I go spend 2000 bucks for these things. The model I plan on buying is a Air Top 3500. I am buying it online at a truck parts store, both doing some research I can't really see the difference in buying the marine version, they look the exact the same. I would appreciate any input from those that have experience.., Thanks :dance:

 

[Maine Sail]

I am about to purchase a Westabo 3500. I have priced both Westabo and Espar. Does anybody have any comments about either before I go spend 2000 bucks for these things. The model I plan on buying is a Air Top 3500. I am buying it online at a truck parts store, both doing some research I can't really see the difference in buying the marine version, they look the exact the same. I would appreciate any input from those that have experience.., Thanks :dance:

Both are pretty comparable and both have their idiosyncrasies. IMHO the Espar's are a tad more relibale and both can be pretty noisy. The Wallas heaters have gotten much better and should also be considered as they are quite quiet.

The best advice I can give is DO NOT BUY THE TRUCK KIT!!!! BUY A MARINE UNIT!!!

If you buy an Espar spend the money on the Digi-Controller thermostat that allows you to reset any lock outs. It can take 5-10 attempts just to get fuel to the heater after install and they lock out at 5 attempts. If you don't have the service tech tool or the Digi-controller then you are SOL..

Plan the install out well ahead of time and keep exhaust temps in mind. The exhaust temps can run 300F+......

 

[Les]

Re: Westabo vs Espar Heates

I have had Webasto hot air and hydroponic heaters on my last five boats. Currently I have the Webasto 2000ST on my Hunter27. I have not owned an Espar so my comments may be opinionated.

The Webasto Marine heaters are different from Truck and bus heaters. If you wish to get further information, call or email Sure Marine in Seattle http://www.suremarine.com. I am sure you will find them helpful even if you buy elsewhere. Very fine folk.

There is NO Webasto 3500 anymore. It has been upgraded to the 3900. And they are very quiet however i do recommend installing a muffler so that your dock neighbors don't hear your exhaust.

Of all the heaters I have installed, the Webasto hot air furnaces have never failed me nor caused me any problems. My present furnace will be four years old and I use it quite often during the week when I visit my boat in the winter months.

My best advice is to call Sure Marine.

I wish you well.

 

[Mark Juetten]

Re: Westabo vs Espar Heates

How have wallas heaters improved? I have one and always rying to get more heat to the forward cabin as hater s moutned in the starboard aft cabin locker I have added a bird cage fan and insulated duct runs. I think I'm losing heat under the icebox.Bring me up to speed Thanks

 

[jdhohmann]

Thanks for the input, I have since cancelled my purchase of the 3500, it didn't come with a marine kit anyway.
Now to find another furnace on here

 

[H45DS]

I am about to purchase a Westabo 3500. I have priced both Westabo and Espar. Does anybody have any comments about either before I go spend 2000 bucks for these things. The model I plan on buying is a Air Top 3500. I am buying it online at a truck parts store, both doing some research I can't really see the difference in buying the marine version, they look the exact the same. I would appreciate any input from those that have experience.., Thanks :dance:

We have a Webasto aboard, and are quite happy with the unit. It is now four years old and I have not had a single issue with it to-date. My wife initially was not crazy about dropping the $$ on it, but she VERY much enjoys having a warm cabin and (we put the hot water heat exchanger in as well) as much hot water as she wants.