What Inverter to use for heater while motoring

thataway · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 9:48 pm Post subject:

All of these "buddy" type os space heaters come with warnings that they should not be used in enclosed spaces--that adequate ventillation and fresh air must be provided. There remains a risk of CO poisoning. There is also the risk of propane cartrages in an enclosed space. A broken seal on one of these propane tanks will ruin one's life--if not terminate it....by an explosion or fire.

I realize that some folks get away with using these. But I do not feel it is a good idea--too many risks. There are many other safe alternatives, with ventilated combustion chambers.

ssobol · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:16 pm Post subject:

The Little Buddy needs 4 sq inches of ventilation. I have multiple CO detectors and don't use it when sleeping.

I think with the gasoline and butane I already carry, a couple of propane canisters don't increase the potential of an accident all that much.

thataway · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2015 11:47 pm Post subject:

Each of us makes our own decisions as we see risks. I just want folks to know that there are risks... 2" x 2" is very little ventillation---and I would question this as being "adequate". Part of the problem is that gas distribution is not uniform in the cabin of a boat.

The risk of propane canisters is not carring the propane, but that seals on these canisters can fail. I saw one fail at Powell this summer, and I have have one fail on me. My best friend ended up with 30% of his body covered with 3rd degree burns, was in a coma for 2 months, and on dailaysis for another 2 months. Burn center bill was over a million dollars...all from a failed seal on a propane canister. Think of a cabin full of propane gas if/when one of these leaks.