Yawall "die-hard" sailing Mac Owners have any methods for INTERIOR WARMTH for WINTERs??? This is my first WINTER with my New Mac-X, and I'd like the CABIN AREA warm during overnighters...the "first mate" and "captain" are too old to "rough it". Any suggestions out yonder ????
WINTER on a MacGregor......BURRRRRRR !!!!
- Thread starter Louis Holub
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Cockpit warmth
One of the things we did was have a fabric windbreak made that attaches all around to the cockpit lifeline and snaps to the cockpit wall. It really helps cutting down the wind. There is a liquid helper called "Dr. McGillicuddy" (approx) Menthol Schnapps - highly recommended!
One of the things we did was have a fabric windbreak made that attaches all around to the cockpit lifeline and snaps to the cockpit wall. It really helps cutting down the wind. There is a liquid helper called "Dr. McGillicuddy" (approx) Menthol Schnapps - highly recommended!
Heat
We spend the cold nights parked in our slip, and we plug in an oscillating space heater. If you have a slip and power outlet, you could do the same. - Bruce M26S
We spend the cold nights parked in our slip, and we plug in an oscillating space heater. If you have a slip and power outlet, you could do the same. - Bruce M26S
I gave up
Louis' I used a little wild cat {approx} propane heater for a couple of winters with a inch or so of the hatch open for air. It warmed up the air maybe 20 d. Problem here is its usually 22 Dec and Jan, ice usually around the edges of the lake. I put the coffee pot on ready to light in the AM, sleep in 2 bags with long johns, couple of sweat panse ans sweat shirts and [very important] a stocking hat over the forehead and ears. I sleep warm and comfy and boy is that hot coffee good in the morn. Then as the sun comes up, I start delayering as the days get up to about 50. If the wind gets up I wear a vinyl type coat with a hood over the stocking hat and gloves--really good, the vinyl stops the wind from cutting thru. PS Please do not tell anyone that I do this.
Louis' I used a little wild cat {approx} propane heater for a couple of winters with a inch or so of the hatch open for air. It warmed up the air maybe 20 d. Problem here is its usually 22 Dec and Jan, ice usually around the edges of the lake. I put the coffee pot on ready to light in the AM, sleep in 2 bags with long johns, couple of sweat panse ans sweat shirts and [very important] a stocking hat over the forehead and ears. I sleep warm and comfy and boy is that hot coffee good in the morn. Then as the sun comes up, I start delayering as the days get up to about 50. If the wind gets up I wear a vinyl type coat with a hood over the stocking hat and gloves--really good, the vinyl stops the wind from cutting thru. PS Please do not tell anyone that I do this.
Partitions
Over the years we've found it a good practice to hang a curtain of sorts across the boat to separate sleeping areas from storage areas that don't need to be heated so much. Your heat source, whatever it is neede not be so large or burn so much fuel if it's only heating the small place where you sleep. WE also use reflectix insulation under our window covers to keep heat out in summer and heat in during the coldest days whether at the dock or at anchor. We've found that our body heat alone is enough to keep a space warm if it's small. Haven't slept on the boat in anything less than 30 degrees however. Layered clothes, socks on feet, hat on head, good sleeping bag, it works.
Over the years we've found it a good practice to hang a curtain of sorts across the boat to separate sleeping areas from storage areas that don't need to be heated so much. Your heat source, whatever it is neede not be so large or burn so much fuel if it's only heating the small place where you sleep. WE also use reflectix insulation under our window covers to keep heat out in summer and heat in during the coldest days whether at the dock or at anchor. We've found that our body heat alone is enough to keep a space warm if it's small. Haven't slept on the boat in anything less than 30 degrees however. Layered clothes, socks on feet, hat on head, good sleeping bag, it works.
propane / ceramic electric heaters
If you have shore power, the ceramic heaters are safe and warm. the propane types are ok, but need venting, and create condensation. at night I use a very small propane lantern in the cabin, which provides some heat. I also tried some 12 car heaters but they really use up the amps. propane of course is heavier than air, and can be dangerous. hot liquids and blankets are your best bets.
If you have shore power, the ceramic heaters are safe and warm. the propane types are ok, but need venting, and create condensation. at night I use a very small propane lantern in the cabin, which provides some heat. I also tried some 12 car heaters but they really use up the amps. propane of course is heavier than air, and can be dangerous. hot liquids and blankets are your best bets.
catalytic heater
If you can find a catalytic heater they work well if you dont have ac. I had an alcohol one a long time ago. Now have one that screws on to a small propane bottle. The advantage is there's minimal noxious fumes/ carbon dioxide. But..don't use it in unventilated space unless you check it out.........
If you can find a catalytic heater they work well if you dont have ac. I had an alcohol one a long time ago. Now have one that screws on to a small propane bottle. The advantage is there's minimal noxious fumes/ carbon dioxide. But..don't use it in unventilated space unless you check it out.........
Hey! don on jcat
I am posting this as a character reference. I know the Doctors cousin well....a real 'peach' of a guy.
I am posting this as a character reference. I know the Doctors cousin well....a real 'peach' of a guy.
heater info
Louis, there is a really good post/link on the ask all sailors now. Somethinf about mr heater etc. looks good to me.
Louis, there is a really good post/link on the ask all sailors now. Somethinf about mr heater etc. looks good to me.
I MAY HAVE found the SOLUTION...
I found a "Mr Heater" (brand) at TRACTOR SUPPLY CO (TSC,Inc.) The model found is a "Portable Buddy",for use inside safe propane, for only $69. (and USA MADE) !! Also saw it referred to in another MAC CHAT SITE...and this sounds like the best OPTION. Mr Heater is a well known "BRAND" product and this new "PORTABLE BUDDY" looks perfect for MAC owners to keep those OLD BONES WARM....Shivvering in a COLD MAC outta' be avoided....HA....happy "WARM" sailing...(sounds like a good CHRISTMAS PRESENT idea too) BUY USA !
I found a "Mr Heater" (brand) at TRACTOR SUPPLY CO (TSC,Inc.) The model found is a "Portable Buddy",for use inside safe propane, for only $69. (and USA MADE) !! Also saw it referred to in another MAC CHAT SITE...and this sounds like the best OPTION. Mr Heater is a well known "BRAND" product and this new "PORTABLE BUDDY" looks perfect for MAC owners to keep those OLD BONES WARM....Shivvering in a COLD MAC outta' be avoided....HA....happy "WARM" sailing...(sounds like a good CHRISTMAS PRESENT idea too) BUY USA !
just remember........
Fiberglass Burns! my little century propane lantern gets mighty hot. I keep an eye on it at all times, and the celing temp. Sure don't want that to slide around. let us know how it works!
Fiberglass Burns! my little century propane lantern gets mighty hot. I keep an eye on it at all times, and the celing temp. Sure don't want that to slide around. let us know how it works!
Warm Boat
I don't winter over on my boat, but I do like to get in as soon as possible (ice out). When I redid my cabin I put foam sheeting betwen the head liner and the cabin roof to not only help keep heat in in the early spring and in the fall but also to keep cooler in the summer. If you are going to use a fuel powered heater may I recomend also getting a CO detector. They have gotten pretty cheap now and could save your life. They are required on all new boats with a living space even if you only have a stove.
I don't winter over on my boat, but I do like to get in as soon as possible (ice out). When I redid my cabin I put foam sheeting betwen the head liner and the cabin roof to not only help keep heat in in the early spring and in the fall but also to keep cooler in the summer. If you are going to use a fuel powered heater may I recomend also getting a CO detector. They have gotten pretty cheap now and could save your life. They are required on all new boats with a living space even if you only have a stove.
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