Cheap cabin heat...Mr. Heater propane?

Harper - while the explosions aren't much of an issue with a alcohol stove, carbon monoxide still is (especially if the stove isn't burning with the proper fuel/oxygen ratio). I've never used an alcohol stove but I did use alcohol bunsen burners in the old days in the lab. One thing that concerns me about alcohol stoves/burners is that if one has an accidental spill/leak of alcohol, it's very volatile, ignites at a pretty low temperature and the flames are very hard to see. It's also low viscosity so it runs quickly from one area to another. It seems like a different set of dangers to me.

The advantage of diesel relative to alcohol or butane/propane is that it's not very volatile and hence is much harder to accidentally ignite.
 
:lol: Based on all the info received here as to the dangers of any and all heating methods...I am oping for long underwear and an L.L.Bean account. :smilep
 
Thanks Roger,

I don't disagree with anything you said. Carbon Monoxide provides the same danger with alcohol as with butane/propane, etc. Also, I agree that diesel is the best alternative except for the initial expense and that it heats the cabin quiet a bit when using the stove in warm/hot weather. Actually, I could tolerate the expense better than the extra heat.

Flamability is certainly a problem with alcohol as you point out. I only carry alcohol in quality liter bottles, never in the metal containers in which it is sold. Of course all filling is done in the cockpit with engine off, etc. The stove and heater both have fuel tanks filled with wool (I think) fiber that absorbs the fuel and doesn't leak a drop even when full when turned upside down.

What bothers me about propane and butane canisters inside the cabin is that they are under presure and can leak at the most inopportune times. I've seen this happen a couple of times (small leaks not catostraphic discharges) when fortunately it was outside so no damage was done.

All this stuff requires constant care.

Harper
 
I experimented with all portable heating systems and came up with an inexpensive solution that works perfectly for us. We love winter boating.

We installed a 1500 watt inverter with a golf cart batteries to power it. We then use an Optimus no-fan, electric heater with 400 and 800 watt setting. The 400 watt setting works fine to maintain heat. When battery power starts to diminish, we simply turn the engine on and recharge the house battery bank.

At night, we use an electric blanket, powered by the inverter. In the morning, I fire up the engine and turn the heater on the 800 watt setting. We're toasty in no time. Also, it's dry and quiet heat!

-Greg
 
Greg
What size alternator do you have to recharge the golf cart batteries?

The old pressurized alcohol stoves did cause a number of fires--and some deaths. Fortunately those stoves are rarely found currently, and the pot type are certainly safer--at least as far as the spread of alcohol.

The lesson is that almost any form of heat has some serious disadvantages. We have stuck with the Wallas stove/heater, along with an Eco fan and a couple of 12 volt fans for heat distribution. Yes, there is a minor problem with heat, but that is why we have AC, and wait until the day cools off before we use the stove.

For larger boats we used hydronic (circulating hot water) diesel heaters, which gave multi zone heat where temperature was easily controlled, and the radiators were placed near the floor. This could also be tied into the engine system for heat when underway, as well as heating domestic water.
 
thataway":hdgn2iw0 said:
Greg

What size alternator do you have to recharge the golf cart batteries?

.
Click to expand...

Whatever is stock in the V-6 Volvo inboard. It seems to be adequate. This is my 3rd season with this setup. I have the boat moored with shorepower. Always hooked up is a battery charger/monitor, therefore the alternator rarely has the task of charging all the batteries.

-Greg
 
A quick rundown comparing oxygen depletion (CO2 poisoning) with CO poisoning.

Oxygen depletion is usually noticed by the human body unless one is passed out or unconscious. It is that breathless, faster repository rate experience that one may have gotten as a kid if you ever tried sticking your head in a plastic bag just to see what it was like; you definitely know that you are not getting oxygen and that the bag, or in this case the door or window, must be opened. Basically, the body is aware that oxygen-less red blood cells are leaving the lungs.

Carbon monoxide (and argon too for those that weld) is trickier. The CO is attached to the red blood cells is a way that takes the place of the oxygen, thus, the body thinks that it is getting oxygen until oxygen starvation, unconsciousness, and death set in. Although some people may experience nausea, dizziness, and irritability that may clue them into what is going on, that is not always the case; some people get no clue before losing consciousness, and then their life.

CO exposure is a bit cumulative. For instance, teak surfers may get a 10 minute exposure, then take a break for ten minutes, then go back for another turn, but much of the CO from the first 10 minutes remains. Incidentally, teak surfing is now banned in some, but not most, states for this reason.

If one is so lucky as to be rescued after losing consciousness, but before death, CO poisoning may have permanent heart damage, memory loss, or brain damage.

Gauges and sensors occasionally fail. While a CO detector is an excellent idea for emergency use, do you really want to rely on it as primary life support; a device whose failure could result in your death?

David

CARBON MONOXIDE- the USCG Boating Safety Resource Center

Quiet Killer- a 3 minute movie by the National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)

Carbon Monoxide Questions and Answers - US Consumer Product Safety Commission
 
Could someone comment on the danger of the Wallas diesel stove/heater re CO? It's designed to vent outside but what, if anything, can go wrong? Thanks, Byron
 
hansonby":12xcbl2z said:
Could someone comment on the danger of the Wallas diesel stove/heater re CO? It's designed to vent outside but what, if anything, can go wrong? Thanks, Byron
Click to expand...

I've never heard of it being an issue.

If the external vent for the Wallas leaks back into the cabin, as has been reported occasionally, the odor of the diesel exhaust seems to serve as a sufficient alert to warn occupants of any CO or other danger.

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
I'm new to c-dorys and boating in general, but I've RV camped for decades, the past 10 years in a custom Toyota van (small space) the heat issue has always been a problem, until I discovered the Propex heater, which both vents fumes and pulls air in, from two hoses run to the outside. My unit is the small one, about the size of a shoe box, controlled by a thermostat. This is how I plan to heat my 16 once the cabin is dialed in. I personally have never felt comfortable sleeping with any sort of heat source running in a small space...including the propex. In fact I'm so worrisome, I often unscrew the tank and set it outside on on top of the rig while sleeping (in case it leaks) this is after running the whole system empty. I've seen the propex mentioned once or twice here during brief searches. There's only one guy I know that sells them here in the states, he lives in Western Maryland, if anyone is interested I can pass along his contact info. Mine was $300 bucks slightly used. New units are about $500-$800 depending on BTU size.
 
Aurelia":2hmqxjxf said:
This has my attention! Especially the 3 gallon water heater.
Click to expand...

We used a Zodi water heater on a previous sailboat. It was adequate for a shower in the cockpit or out on the nets of our trimaran, with generally enough hot water left to do dishes. You do have to set it up and take it down for each use. It's marketed as a "camp shower" and uses propane.

http://www.zodi.com/Consumer/zodihottap ... hower.html

I have one at home that I'd consider selling when we get back in a couple months. The big advantage over a solar shower is the fact that you get hot water right away, regardless of what the sun is doing.

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
Back
Top