Wallace vs. Stock

thataway · Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 11:50 pm Post subject:

Actually the Wallas (note spelling) is a unit which does quite well at both being a stove and heating in a safe manor. The open flame kerosene heaters should never be used in a boat--peroid, and I hope that no-one is advocating their use. The catalytic heaters, like Mr Heat are not made to be used in a boat and are not safe.

Propane and butane cartridges have had failed seals. I have personally seen the results (bad burns) of two such failures. One was almost fatal (the burn unit bill was very close to a million dollars). I have seen cases of carbon monoxide poisoning by open flame type of heaters or stoves. Some say "Darwin rules"--unfortunately some do not have the facts and do not realize that Carbon monoxide poisoning is very insidious and the only accurate way of measuring Carbon monoxide is either with blood levels of carbon monoxide (carboxyhemoglobin) or by a carbon monoxide detector which measures in low incriments: such as CO experts (unfortunately the warehouse was recently destroyed in ice storms)--or The TTI pocket CO detector (both of these have digital read outs at very low levels). The next best and less expensive is the Kiddie NightHawk with a digital read out. Unfortunately the units which are hard wired in most boats and RVs are not very sensative and are not really adequate. The Safe-T-Alert is commonly installed (I do not know what is being used in the C Dories, since my TC 255 didn't come with one.)

The carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 2 to 3 years. There are kits which will check to see if a detector is still effective. If you don't know if yours works, replace it!

The stove top LP units which use an external tank vented overboard have a shut off valve at the tank which should be turned off when the stove or heater is not being used--the cartridge units have a valve inside of the boat and are subject to potential leakage.

As for butane being cheaper or hotter that just does not fly. The cost of a Wallas stove is about 1.5% of the cost of a rigged Tom Cat 255. For us that was a no brainer to have a safe and effective stove/heater, which was two burner, took up no extra space and used inexpensive fuel. But each of us makes our own decisions based on our own priorities. Safety is very high on my list!

squidslayer · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:22 am Post subject: $2300 for a heater???

Use $1000 to buy a honda 2000w Generator..$100 to buy a electic heater..SAVE $1200 ...to buy other toys..and watch TV and run a microwave too!!!...Case Closed!!!

ffheap · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 9:20 am Post subject:

Hi Folks,

In my quest of the KISS principle, I have a non pressure Alcohol Stove for cooking and heating in the morning. Usually, heating up water for coffee and washing heats the cabin enough to take the chill off. I always keep a window cracked, and I have a monoxide alarm.

For cabin heating when it gets really cold, I think I will use the propane BUDDY HEATER used by Dun from CT. It is safe to use, and easy to use. The Wallas scares me in that heaters like that, in the past, have had a history of problems. Just the maintenance of the Wallas is a reason not to use it. If it comes with a boat, I will keep it. To go out and buy it new, no way.

When I am sleeping, I will not run any heaters except for an electric heater if I am attached to the shore, and there is electricity available.

With the lack of storage in my boat, a generator is not in my plans.

Just one man's idea.

Fred

Dora~Jean · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 10:46 am Post subject:

Fred, exactly how I operate, the alcohol stove takes the chill off in the morning (always window(s) cracked). I installed the Wallas 1300 Heater (about $1,000), one switch, so far has worked flawlessly, zero maintenance as long as you make sure fresh fuel. Got to head to work.

teflonmom · Posted: Wed Feb 28, 2007 12:17 pm Post subject: Stoves

We have a portable butane single burner. It works very well, easy to start, low cost to run, and heats very fast. It will also simmer some of the propane stoves we have used cannot be slowed down.

The new single burner stove the factory is using looks very nice, and you do not have to get it out of the locker-just open the lid and get heat.

This is a real improvement over achohal stoves. We also carry a butane BBQ grill we use this quite a bit when cruising.