Safty guestion, heater

S

Steve Grover

New member
My new to me 19'er has a drop curtain with windows behind the cabin to close off the cabin from the aft deck. I think this is pretty standard for the 19. If I was to use a Mr. Heater in the cabin area which uses the 1 lb propane bottle for fuel should I be overly concerned of explosion at the rear fuel tanks :?: Open flame in the cabin :!:
 
I'm using this heater on my 22.

I agree - I don't see an ignition problem from fuel fumes as an issue so much as the carbon monoxide and that becomes more problematic if you're sleeping aboard vs underway or fishing.

There are lots of options to protect yourself from this - search this site on "carbon monoxide".
 
Hey Steve ol' buddy,

We used a Black Cat catalytic heater on our trimaran. It did a fine job, but we used it in a very specific manner - to heat the cabin at night before bed, and then again in the morning to warm things back up. (In between, my preferred heating method was body heat... but that was due to the Blonde... your situation with Sydney onboard may not be as... um... er... well, it will probably be hairier. :mrgreen: ) We would put the propane canister out in the cockpit for the night (the floor of the tri cockpit was above the waterline and vented). Since getting Wild Blue and having a Wallas, we are spoiled by the ease and function - and the ability to safely use it during the night when necessary.

I don't know specifics on the Mr. Buddy, but it is a similar (even better) concept than the Black Cat. The Black Cat said it could be used indoors or in a tent, but to allow some fresh air circulation. As the others have stated, my concern would be more about the carbon monoxide situation. With your rear curtain rolled down, there should be little problem with gas fumes; if you just put the canister outside when you're done using it, I wouldn't think there would be a hazard.

You just KNOW it's going to be warmer and more comfortable than sleeping on Gizmo with no rear canvasback when it was freezing cold at Lake Powell. (This guy is tough - we invited him to stay with us on Wild Blue, but he declined... probably had something to do with the fact that we told him he'd have to share a bunk with Molly.)

Put a CO detector on the boat - we want to keep you around for a long time... even if your wife figures out the boat switch and sends you packing.

Best wishes,
Jim
 
I don't see a problem with the gasoline tanks. Generally I am opposed to heating with these heaters in an enclosed space, because of the Carbon Monoxide issue. I agree get a carbon monoxide detector. Do not go to sleep with the heater on. Be sure that there is some air circulation. Store the cartreges in a dry place, but outside of the cabin.
 
I use my Buddy heater before bed and before rising, but not while sleeping. I don't think it would be a problem though. There is a lot of ventilation behind that drop curtain. I also crack the windows a bit to keep the condensation down.
 
I read the posts and thank you for the advise. I plan to use the heater as suggested. Before bed and in the morning. I'll keep as much ventilation as possible. I have had the experience with Mr. Heater in my Scamp trailer. It's worked great.
Thanks again.
 
Barry - the Mr Heater Buddy is safe to use inside as long as there is a 9 square inch opening for air, I guess oxygen is much more the issue than CO with this appliance. I don't know how they do it, but that is exactly what these heaters are made for, use inside boats, tents, etc. This is really a dandy unit for about $70...Here is a shot of one in David's 16 Angler Alyssa Jean...I have mine mounted on the outside of the cuddy door.

Cabin_heater_Stand_003.sized.jpg



colobear":7zhl9uhc said:
I would be much more concerned about carbon monoxide.
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